Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and senior members of his government have reiterated their firm opposition to the creation of a Palestinian state, just hours before the UN Security Council votes on a US-backed plan for Gaza. The Council is expected to vote on Monday, November 17, on a draft resolution supporting the establishment of an International Stabilization Force (ISF) in the Gaza Strip. The force would be responsible for securing border areas, overseeing demilitarisation, and helping administer Gaza under a transitional arrangement. The proposal is linked to the ceasefire ag

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and senior members of his government have reiterated their firm opposition to the creation of a Palestinian state, just hours before the UN Security Council votes on a US-backed plan for Gaza. The Council is expected to vote on Monday, November 17, on a draft resolution supporting the establishment of an International Stabilization Force (ISF) in the Gaza Strip. The force would be responsible for securing border areas, overseeing demilitarisation, and helping administer Gaza under a transitional arrangement. The proposal is linked to the ceasefire agreement brokered by US President Donald Trump between Israel and Hamas. The latest draft resolution leaves open the possibility of future Palestinian statehood a point strongly criticised by the Israeli government. Speaking at a cabinet meeting on Sunday, Netanyahu said Israel’s position “has not changed,” emphasising that his government rejects Palestinian independence on any territory. Netanyahu has long argued that a Palestinian state would strengthen Hamas and endanger Israel’s security. His comments followed pressure from within his own coalition, including from far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who urged him to deliver a “clear and decisive response” to the recent wave of international recognition of Palestinian statehood. “I do not need affirmations, tweets or lectures from anyone,” Netanyahu said, insisting he has blocked attempts to advance Palestinian statehood for decades and will continue to do so. Pressure has increased as several Western countries including the UK, Australia, and Canada formally recognised a Palestinian state in September. Netanyahu condemned their decision at the time, calling it a “prize” for Hamas. Other Israeli officials echoed his position on Sunday. Defence Minister Israel Katz wrote that Israel’s policy is “clear: no Palestinian state will be established,” while Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said the government would not accept what he called a “Palestinian terror state” in the region. The Security Council vote comes as the first phase of the US-brokered ceasefire continues. Under the agreement, the final 20 living Israeli hostages and nearly all 28 deceased hostages held by Palestinian militants have been returned. In exchange, Israel has released almost 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and returned 330 bodies.

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