Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed on Sunday that he opposes any Palestinian state west of the Jordan River. His comments came as the UN Security Council continues to debate a new Gaza-related draft resolution.
Netanyahu opened the weekly cabinet meeting by addressing criticism from far-right figures who argue the draft could support statehood discussions. He dismissed those claims and said his stance had remained unchanged for decades.
Pushback against far-right ministers
Without naming National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir or Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, Netanyahu rejected their public statements. He said he needed no approval from “social media posts or lessons” to set Israel’s policy.
“We oppose the creation of a Palestinian state west of the Jordan. This has not changed,” he said. He added that he had rejected similar proposals for many years.
Netanyahu also mentioned the Gaza plan negotiated during former U.S. President Donald Trump’s term. He said the proposal required the demilitarization of Hamas-controlled areas. According to him, that demilitarization will happen “one way or another,” whether through an easier route or a harder one.
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Action against violent settler groups
Netanyahu also pledged steps against extremist Jewish settlers who have attacked Palestinians in the occupied West Bank. He said these groups did not represent the wider settler population and had even targeted Israeli soldiers.
He argued that Israel remains “a state of law,” despite long-standing accusations regarding human rights violations in the territories.
Warnings to Likud members ahead of election year
With Israel preparing for elections, Netanyahu warned Likud lawmakers not to claim personal credit on social media for security decisions. He said such issues are coordinated with the prime minister.
Israeli outlets reported that his comments were largely aimed at Defense Minister Yisrael Katz.
Netanyahu also denounced an attack on Shas lawmaker Yoav Ben-Tzur by ultra-Orthodox protesters opposing the conscription of some yeshiva students. He said the small group involved did not reflect the broader ultra-Orthodox public.
Disruption at cabinet meeting
According to Israeli media, Netanyahu ordered the cabinet room doors locked as the meeting began, blocking late-arriving ministers. Several ministers argued with staff outside until Netanyahu ordered the doors opened again.
