Addressing growing international recognition of Palestine, Netanyahu dismissed the idea that a Palestinian state would bring peace, saying it would “reward terror.” He argued that Palestinians have repeatedly rejected statehood offers and continue to seek Israel’s destruction.
Netanyahu said Gaza under Hamas functioned as a “de facto state” that waged war on Israel. He stressed that Palestinians should govern themselves but have no power to threaten Israel.
While some foreign leaders privately agree with Israel’s stance, Netanyahu claimed they “can’t stand up to public opinion” in their countries. He vowed Israel would act “with or without the support of others” to defend its security.
