In a significant diplomatic shift, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Portugal have officially recognized the State of Palestine, drawing sharp condemnation from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He insisted that a Palestinian state “will never be realized.”
According to Reuters, the four countries announced their decisions separately on Sunday, September 21. With these recognitions, 151 of the United Nations’ 193 member states now formally acknowledge Palestine. Analysts note that the move carries major diplomatic weight, coming amid Israel’s two-year-long military campaign in Gaza. Observers also predict that France and several other nations may soon make similar announcements at the UN General Assembly.
Expressing his anger, Netanyahu declared, “Those who recognize a Palestinian state after the massacres of October 7 are rewarding terrorism. My clear message is this: It will never happen. No Palestinian state will rise west of the Jordan River.”
As reported by The Times of Israel, Netanyahu told his weekly cabinet meeting that the creation of an independent Palestinian state would endanger Israel’s very existence. “The Palestinian state has no basis in reality, and it will never exist,” he said.
Addressing the United Nations, Netanyahu further stated, “I will speak the truth. That truth reflects Israel’s just struggle against the forces of evil. Genuine peace will come only through strength.”
Following his speech, Netanyahu announced plans to meet U.S. President Donald Trump.
Sources: Reuters, The Times of Israel.