Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday declared that a Palestinian state would never be established west of the Jordan River, directly rebuffing Britain, Australia and Canada after the three nations formally recognised Palestinian statehood.
“I have a clear message for those leaders who recognise a Palestinian state after the horrific massacre on October 7: you are granting a huge reward to terror,” Netanyahu said in a statement. “And I have another message for you: it will not happen. No Palestinian state will be established west of the Jordan River.”
Britain and Canada became the first G7 members to recognise Palestine, while Australia joined them in what is being described as a coordinated diplomatic move. The decision marks a significant shift in Western policy, long tied to Israel’s security stance, and comes ahead of the UN General Assembly opening in New York on Monday, where more nations — including France — are expected to follow suit.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the recognition was aimed at reviving the hope of a two-state solution. “Today, to revive the hope of peace for the Palestinians and Israelis, the United Kingdom formally recognises the State of Palestine,” Starmer wrote on X.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney added: “Canada recognises the State of Palestine and offers our partnership in building the promise of a peaceful future for both the State of Palestine and the State of Israel.”
Portugal was also set to announce recognition later on Sunday, amid mounting international pressure on Israel over its war in Gaza, nearly two years after the Hamas attack of October 7, 2023.
