Netanyahu: Establishing a Palestinian state threatens Israel's existence.

Arabian Sea Newspaper - Special

Arab Sea - Follow-ups: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that his government will continue to oppose any moves to establish a Palestinian state, considering it an "existential threat" to Israel. During his government's meeting today, Sunday, Netanyahu stated: "We will have to fight the battle in the United Nations and in all other arenas against systematic disinformation campaigns, and against calls for the establishment of a Palestinian state, which would be a free prize for terrorism." These statements come ahead of an expected recognition of the State of Palestine by Britain and Portugal, with similar steps expected from other countries during the United Nations General Assembly meetings this week. London, one of Israel's most prominent traditional allies, changed its position following the escalation of Israeli military operations in the Gaza Strip, where British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced last July that his country would officially recognize the Palestinian state if Israel did not take concrete steps to cease fire. Earlier this month, Netanyahu stressed his categorical rejection of the establishment of a Palestinian state, accusing countries that are moving towards recognizing it of "rewarding terrorism," in reference to the "Hamas" movement that led the October 2023 attacks. Estimates indicate that about ten countries, including Australia, Belgium, and Canada, will announce their recognition of Palestine during a summit preceding the annual United Nations meetings. For her part, Palestinian Foreign Minister Varsen Aghabekian said in a press conference in Ramallah that the expected international recognition of the Palestinian state clearly confirms that Israel does not have sovereignty over the Palestinian territories, and represents "a message of hope for a future in which the free Palestinian state is embodied on its land." **Possible peace with Lebanon and Syria** In another context, Netanyahu considered that the recent military operations against "Hezbollah" in Lebanon opened an "unexpected window of opportunity" to reach peace with Lebanon and Syria. He added: "We are holding talks with the Syrians, and there is some progress, but it is too early to judge the results."