“‘Rewarding Terror with Enormous Prize’: Netanyahu Criticizes UK, Canada on Palestine”

Netanyahu Warns UK, Canada, Australia Against Recognising Palestinian State.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday issued a stern warning to Britain, Canada, and Australia after the three countries formally recognised a Palestinian state, accusing them of “rewarding terror” following the October 7 Hamas attack. He reiterated that there will be no Palestinian state “to the west of the Jordan River.”

Speaking in a statement, Netanyahu said, “There will be no Palestinian state. The response to the latest attempt to force upon us a terror state in the heart of our land will be given after my return from the United States. You are rewarding terror with an enormous prize. And it’s not going to happen.”

The Israeli Prime Minister reaffirmed his long-standing opposition to Palestinian statehood and vowed to continue expanding Israeli settlements in the West Bank. “For years, I have prevented the creation of that terror state, against tremendous pressure. We have doubled Jewish settlements in Judea and Samaria, and we will continue on this path,” he added.

The recognitions by Britain, Canada, and Australia are part of efforts to revive momentum for a two-state solution, a move praised by Palestinian leaders but criticised by Israel and the US.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said, “To revive hope for peace, the UK formally recognises the State of Palestine.”

Canadian PM Mark Carney called it a partnership for a peaceful future for both Israel and Palestine.

Australian PM Anthony Albanese described it as a reaffirmation of Australia’s commitment to a two-state solution and a step toward lasting peace and security.

Meanwhile, Palestinian Foreign Minister Varsen Aghabekian Shahin welcomed the recognition, saying it brings Palestinian independence and sovereignty closer and preserves the prospects for a two-state solution.