Israeli Ministers Criticize Netanyahu Amid Rising Support for Palestinian Statehood
In a growingly contentious political atmosphere in Israel, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir have intensified their criticism of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. They accuse him of inaction and silence regarding the increasing international recognition of Palestinian statehood.
Smotrich expressed his frustrations in a post on the X platform, asserting that Netanyahu had promised a "decisive" response to the recognition of Palestine by several countries. However, he lamented, "two months have passed with no response other than silence and political humiliation," as he described it.
He called for a "prompt and decisive response that demonstrates to the world that a Palestinian state will never be established."
* Transfer Idea Resurfaces
Ben Gvir escalated the rhetoric, reiterating his stance that "there is no Palestinian people" and that Palestinians are merely a construct without historical legitimacy. In a recent tweet, he labeled the establishment of a Palestinian state as "a reward for terrorism," advocating instead for policies that would encourage voluntary emigration from Gaza, a clear reference to the controversial idea of transfer.
He stated that his party, Otzma Yehudit, "will not participate in any government that accepts the recognition of a Palestinian state," urging Netanyahu to categorically reject any initiatives in this regard.
* Internal Divisions in the Israeli Right
The ongoing discord between Netanyahu and these two far-right ministers is not new. Smotrich and Ben Gvir continue to advocate against the establishment of a Palestinian state and promote the annexation of the West Bank.
Although Netanyahu's Likud party has historically supported annexation, the Prime Minister recently announced that his party would not back two proposed bills for West Bank annexation, following a clear rejection from the United States, which has angered his right-wing allies.
* Rising International Support for Palestine
These developments occur as international recognition of Palestinian statehood continues to grow; currently, 160 out of 193 United Nations member states recognize Palestine, a trend that gained momentum during the UN's meetings last September amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
* Contextual Background
Israel maintains its occupation of the West Bank and East Jerusalem, territories it captured in 1967, which many view as a violation of international law. The Israeli government has consistently resisted efforts to establish an independent Palestinian state.
