Netanyahu publicly rejected US pressure to establish a Palestinian state

International Desk: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly rejected US pressure to establish a Palestinian state. He has told the United States that he opposes the establishment of a Palestinian state even if the conflict in Gaza ends. In a press conference, Netanyahu vowed to continue the offensive until he achieves total victory in Gaza: the destruction of Hamas and the return of the remaining Israeli hostages. It may take many months. About 25,000 people have died in Gaza, according to the Hamas-ruled Health Ministry. 85% of residents are displaced in the blocked valley. Israel is under intense pressure to rein in the attacks as well as engage in meaningful negotiations for a durable end to the war. Israel's allies, including the United States, as well as its enemies, have been calling for a two-state solution, which would mean a future Palestinian state alongside an Israeli state. The hope in many circles is that the current crisis may force the warring parties to return to diplomacy, as the only viable alternative to an endless cycle of violence. But Mr.

Netanyahu's comments suggest the exact opposite. There is hope in many quarters that the current crisis could force the warring parties to return to diplomatic talks as the only viable option. However, even if Netanyahu's comments emerge, his intentions are quite the opposite. At Thursday's press conference, Netanyahu said Israel must have security control over all land west of the Jordan River, which would include the territory of a future Palestinian state. It is a necessary condition and it conflicts with the concept of (Palestinian) sovereignty, he said. What can be done? I have told my American friends this fact and stopped trying to impose a reality on us that could harm Israel's security. Netanyahu has spent much of his political career opposing the establishment of a Palestinian state. Last month, he said he was proud to have prevented the establishment of a Palestinian state. And that is why his latest comment is not surprising.