Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed yesterday to expand Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank after Britain, Canada, Australia and Portugal recognised a Palestinian state.
“For years, I have prevented the creation of this state despite enormous pressure both domestically and internationally,” he said in a statement.
“We have done so with determination and political wisdom. Moreover, we have doubled Jewish settlements in Judea and Samaria and we will continue on this path,” he said using the Biblical name for the West Bank.
Netanyahu yesterday accused foreign leaders of giving a “prize” to Hamas.
He put out an angry statement after Britain and other Western allies said they were unilaterally recognising a Palestinian state in a step seen as a show of displeasure with Israel.
Netanyahu added: “A Palestinian state will not be established west of the Jordan River.”
Netanyahu said he would announce Israel’s response after a trip to the US, where he is to meet President Donald Trump at the White House.
He is set to give a speech to the General Assembly on Friday before heading to see Trump.
The UK has for decades supported an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel, but insisted recognition must come as part of a peace plan to achieve a two-state solution.
However, the government has become increasingly worried that such a solution is becoming all but impossible – and not only because of the razing of Gaza and displacement of most of its population during nearly two years of conflict.
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