Netanyahu Boasts That He’s Blocked a Palestinian State ‘for Decades’

The prime minister is introducing legislation in the Knesset to declare opposition to a Palestinian state

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday boasted that he had worked “for decades” to block the establishment of a Palestinian state.

“Everyone knows that I am the one who for decades blocked the establishment of a Palestinian state that would endanger our existence,” Netanyahu said, according to The Times of Israel.

He made the comments while discussing a plan to introduce legislation into the Knesset that would match a declaration made by the Israeli cabinet on Sunday that rejected “international diktats” related to a Palestinian state.

The strong statements came after reports said that the US and some of its Arab partners were looking to unveil an outline for a long-term peace deal that would include a “firm timeline” toward a Palestinian state.

Netanyahu said Israel is facing “an attempt to force upon us the unilateral establishment of a Palestinian state which will endanger the existence of the State of Israel.” He said the Knesset legislation will “show the world that there is wide agreement in Israel against the international efforts to force on us a Palestinian state.”

A vote on the Knesset legislation was initially scheduled for Monday night, but The Jerusalem Post reported that it was delayed by hardline factions who want a stronger statement against a Palestinian state. They say because the statement rejects a “unilateral” creation of a Palestinian state, it leaves open the possibility of accepting Palestinian statehood as part of future negotiations.

Author: Dave DeCamp

Dave DeCamp is the news editor of Antiwar.com, follow him on Twitter @decampdave.