Israeli Ministers Criticize Netanyahu Over Palestinian State Recognition
In a politically charged atmosphere in Israel, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir have publicly criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, accusing him of inaction amid increasing international recognition of a Palestinian state.
In a post on X on Saturday night, Smotrich stated that Netanyahu had promised a "decisive" response once several countries recognized the Palestinian state. However, he noted, "two months have passed with no response, only silence and political humiliation." He called for an "immediate and decisive response to demonstrate to the world that there will never be a Palestinian state."
* Focus on Resettlement
Ben Gvir intensified the pressure by reiterating his claims that "there is no Palestinian people and that Palestinians are merely a baseless invention." In a recent tweet, he characterized the granting of statehood to Palestinians as a "reward for terrorism," suggesting that the solution in Gaza lies in promoting voluntary emigration, a clear reference to resettlement, while completely rejecting a political solution.
He emphasized that his party, Otzma Yehudit, "will not participate in a government that accepts the recognition of a Palestinian state," urging Netanyahu to clearly and unequivocally reject any initiatives in this direction.
* Disputes Within the Israeli Right
The conflict between Netanyahu and the far-right ministers is not new, as Smotrich and Ben Gvir continue to exert pressure to reject the establishment of a Palestinian state and advance the annexation of the West Bank.
While Netanyahu's Likud party has historically supported the idea of annexation, the Prime Minister stated last month, following a clear rejection from the United States, that he would not support his party's proposal for annexation of the West Bank, which was set for a vote in the Knesset. This decision sparked significant outrage among his right-wing allies.
* Growing International Recognition for Palestine
These statements come at a time when international recognition of the Palestinian state is on the rise; currently, 160 out of 193 countries in the United Nations recognize it, following a wave of recognitions during the international organization's sessions last September amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
* Historical Context
Israel continues to refuse to withdraw from the West Bank and occupied East Jerusalem, actions widely considered to violate the United Nations Charter and international law, and has consistently rejected the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.
