Israel rejects calls for Palestinian state, calling it a 'reward' for terrorism

The Israeli government on Sunday approved a resolution that rejects international pressure on Israel to recognize a Palestinian state, stating that to do so would "reward" terrorism after the Oct. 7, 2023, attack that killed about 1,200 people in Israel.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a statement after the government unanimously approved a declaration regarding international pressure to recognize a Palestinian state.

The short statement reads:

"1. Israel utterly rejects international diktats regarding a permanent settlement with the Palestinians. A settlement, if it is to be reached, will come about solely through direct negotiations between the parties, without preconditions.

"2. Israel will continue to oppose unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state. Such recognition in the wake of the October 7th massacre would be a massive and unprecedented reward to terrorism and would prevent any future peace settlement."

The statement is Israel's latest act of defiance against the United States, Saudi Arabia and others pressuring the country to agree on a path to a Palestinian state after the war in the Gaza Strip ends. 

Meanwhile, Israeli troops are continuing their advance into the city of Rafah after the top United Nations court rejected a request from South Africa to intervene in Israel's planned military operation, per The Hill.

Follow Madeleine Hubbard on X or Instagram.