Netanyahu publicly rejects US efforts to create a Palestinian state

(Patria) - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he has told the United States that he opposes the establishment of a Palestinian state after the conflict in Gaza ends, the BBC reported.

At a press conference, Netanyahu vowed to continue the offensive in Gaza "until complete victory," the destruction of Hamas, and the return of the remaining Israeli hostages, adding that it could take "many more months".

Israel's allies, including the US, have called for the revival of the "two-state solution," in which a future Palestinian state would exist side-by-side with Israel. There is hope in many circles that the current crisis could force the warring parties back to diplomacy, as the only viable alternative to endless cycles of violence.

But from Netanyahu's comments, his intention seems quite the opposite. During a press conference on Thursday, he said Israel must have security control over all territory west of the Jordan River, which would include the territory of any future Palestinian state.

"This is a necessary condition, and it is contrary to the idea of (Palestinian) sovereignty. What are we to do? I am telling this truth to our American friends, and I have also stopped an attempt to impose a reality on us that would harm Israel's security," he said.

Netanyahu has spent much of his political career opposing Palestinian statehood, boasting last month that he was proud to have prevented its establishment, so these statements are not surprising. But the public rejection of Washington's diplomatic pressure and the determination to stay the current military course show a widening disagreement with Israel's Western allies.

Responding to Netanyahu's latest comments, White House National Security Advisor John Kirby said his administration will not stop working towards a two-state solution, adding that "there will be no re-occupation of Gaza."