Prior to voting on a US-drafted resolution for the future of Gaza at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), senior Israeli leaders have reiterated their rejection of any attempt at creating a Palestinian state.
Arab News PK +2 and Xinhua News report this.
Draft resolution included as part of Donald Trump-backed 20-point Gaza plan includes unexpected language that suggests a path toward Palestinian statehood – prompting Israel to act quickly to stop such outcomes, The Guardian reported.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated at his cabinet meeting, without reservation: “Our opposition to a Palestinian state on any territory has not changed one bit.” SBS Australia reported.
He and other members of his government stated their opposition to any resolution they believe opens up Palestinian independence west of Jordan River, according to The Times of India.
Why Israel Is Pushing Back
The amendment of the U.S. draft resolution to include statehood language alarmed Jerusalem, where officials feared an international endorsement of Palestinian sovereignty over Gaza and the West Bank. Al Jazeera +One
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz reiterated Israel’s policy: no Palestinian state will be established. Arab News PK Far-right ministers also adopted this approach, condemning any notion of Palestinian identity or state as an invention and challenging the resolution’s direction. /B/
Israel’s opposition stems from multiple strategic considerations:
The government of Israel asserts that any future Palestinian state, particularly one established in Gaza or the West Bank, could pose a security threat or serve as a base for militant activity. Xinhua News reports this development.
Many in Israel view statehood recognition as a gift to Hamas and other militant groups that would threaten Israeli security.
SBS Australia The vote comes amid mounting internal coalition pressures: far-right partners of Netanyahu have insisted upon maintaining their rigid opposition to any concessions to Palestine or direct Palestinian control, whilst Al Jazeera has reported on this development.
Implications for UNSC Vote
A draft resolution currently before the Security Council would not only authorise an international stabilisation force in Gaza but would also for the first time include language regarding Palestinian self-determination, according to The Guardian.
Israel’s opposition may lead to diplomatic tension with key players, including the U.S. which is pressing for international support and troop contributions for its proposed mission.
If Israel’s objections result in changes to the text, this could reduce language on statehood, potentially weakening its appeal among Arab and Muslim states. Some Gulf states have already signaled they expect credible pathways towards self-determination for Palestinians. The Guardian
What to Expect
With the vote rapidly approaching, all eyes will be focused on the drafting process to see whether any compromises are reached that satisfy both Israeli concerns and Palestinian hopes. Officials from Israel have indicated that they intend to closely scrutinize any commitment to establish a Palestinian state as part of any draft text.
Should the resolution pass without reference to statehood, it could deepen mistrust among Palestinian leaders who fear its outcome will cement Israeli control of Gaza and postpone true sovereignty. If Israel succeeds in blocking or diluting its text, stalemate over Gaza governance and overall Israeli-Palestinian conflict may remain.
Simply stated: the Israeli leadership’s firm opposition to a Palestinian state is now an influential factor that could decide the result of UNSC vote — and ultimately determine the governance and security of Gaza and West Bank in future years.