Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has again ruled out the creation of a Palestinian state, declaring Jerusalem indivisible and pledging to defend Israel against what he described as international pressure for concessions.
Speaking at a public event, Netanyahu warned against foreign-backed initiatives aimed at advancing Palestinian sovereignty. “Any unilateral action can be met with unilateral action,” he said. “This is our city. It is forever our city. It will never be divided again and there will be no Palestinian state.”
The prime minister’s remarks come at a time of heightened regional tensions, with ongoing clashes in Gaza and renewed calls from the international community for a two-state solution. Netanyahu’s government has continued to expand settlements in the West Bank, moves widely condemned abroad as violations of international law and obstacles to peace.
Turning his attention to those who have supported Israel’s cultural and historical projects, Netanyahu expressed gratitude for efforts to preserve Jewish heritage. “I want to thank the donors, the diggers, the people who committed so much of their lives to this incredible foundation of our civilization and of the Jewish people,” he said, linking archaeological and cultural preservation to Israel’s broader national identity.
The prime minister framed his comments within a narrative of historical continuity, arguing that Israel’s presence in Jerusalem is rooted in thousands of years of Jewish history. “We are safeguarding the foundation of our civilization,” he told the audience, adding that protecting Jerusalem’s unity was both a moral and strategic duty.
Netanyahu’s rejection of Palestinian statehood drew swift criticism from Palestinian officials, who said his words undermine prospects for peace and entrench occupation. International diplomats have also voiced concerns that such rhetoric, combined with accelerated settlement building. See, More, Here>>>>
Could further destabilize the region and make negotiations impossible.
