Palestinian state would constitute 'prize' for October 7: Netanyahu

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Axios
15 Feb 2024 21:00
2 Shares

Such recognition could have a significant impact on US foreign policy, which historically relied on direct contact with Israeli leadership to advocate for a Palestinian sovereign state.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, left, takes a seat before his meeting with France's Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne, right, in occupied Al-Quds, Monday, Feb. 5, 2024. 5, 2024 (AP)

Axios reported on Thursday, citing two Israeli officials, that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly told Secretary of State Tony Blinken a week ago that the recognition of Palestinian statehood would constitute "a prize" for those who orchestrated the October 7 operation.

During a private meeting with Blinken in occupied Al-Quds last week, Netanyahu expressed concern over potential US recognition of Palestine, the sources said, noting that such a move would be "an own goal" and could undermine efforts by the Biden administration to expand peace and normalization in the region.

"It will be a prize to the Palestinians for doing Oct. 7," Netanyahu told Blinken, per the Israeli officials.

The report underscores that such recognition could profoundly affect US foreign policy, which has historically relied on direct contact with Israeli leadership to support the establishment of a Palestinian sovereign state. The Israeli leadership is concerned that if this comes to fruition, it will face pressure to accept a Palestinian state.

This comes against the backdrop of conditions set by Saudi Arabia to reach a normalization agreement with the Israeli regime.

Two weeks ago, Axios reported that Blinken asked the State Department to review options for US and international recognition of a Palestinian state post-Gaza war. Options include bilateral recognition of Palestine, abstaining from veto at the UN Security Council, and urging other countries to recognize Palestine.

Amid these developments, some of Netanyahu's extremist ministers have been actively pushing to formalize their complete opposition to Palestinian statehood, but Netanyahu has yet to endorse a resolution for this matter.

Top Israeli ministers reject Palestinian statehood post-war

Earlier in the day, some of "Israel's" top ministers expressed their outrage over a news article published in The Washington Post. The article claimed that "Israel's" major ally, the United States, was pushing preparations to establish a Palestinian state.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich stated that in "no way" would the occupying forces agree to the statehood, which according to him "says Palestinians deserve a prize for the terrible massacre they carried out against us."

The Palestinians Smotrich is referring to, are the 28,663 murdered men, women, and children killed at the hands of "Israel."

He called a Palestinian state an "existential threat" to the Israeli occupation, citing he would convene with the security cabinet later Thursday to take a "clear position against Palestinian statehood."

Smotrich in late January made similar remarks, telling the US to "wise up" about any chance of a Palestinian state.

A Washington Post report Thursday indicated the US is working with some Arab countries, including Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, on a post-war plan for the region's future that includes a firm timetable for the creation of a Palestinian state.

The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that any diplomatic endeavor that did not begin with a Palestinian state becoming an official member of the United Nations was "doomed to fail."

Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, so-called Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli, Education Minister Yoav Kisch, and MP Matan Kahana, a member of the National Unity Party led by primary Netanyahu opponent Benny Gantz, all made separate statements echoing Smotrich's.

Chikli told Army Radio that any statehood would be a "catastrophe."

Netanyahu has reiterated his uncompromising position against Palestinian statehood and his control over the occupied West Bank.