Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu just dropped a diplomatic bombshell, firmly rejecting any Palestinian state west of the Jordan River, Breitbart reported on Sunday. 

On Sunday, Netanyahu declared that no such state will exist, responding to recent moves by countries like the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia to recognize Palestinian statehood despite the ongoing war. His statement, translated by Israel’s Government Press Office, came as a direct rebuke to what he sees as misguided international pressure. This blunt stance underscores his long-standing opposition to Palestinian statehood in the region.

Netanyahu’s remarks follow the October 7 massacre, which he argues makes recognizing a Palestinian state tantamount to rewarding terrorism. He didn’t mince words, accusing foreign leaders of handing terrorists an “enormous prize” by supporting statehood. This perspective aligns with a conservative view that sees such recognition as ignoring the region’s complex security realities.

Defiant Stand Against Statehood

“I have a clear message to those leaders who are recognizing a Palestinian state after the horrendous October 7 massacre: You are rewarding terror with an enormous prize,” Netanyahu said. This quote reveals his belief that statehood recognition undermines Israel’s fight against terrorism. It’s a sharp jab at progressive ideals that often prioritize diplomatic gestures over hardline security concerns.

Netanyahu emphasized his track record of blocking Palestinian statehood, claiming he’s faced “tremendous pressure” from both domestic and foreign sources. He credited his success to “determination” and “astute statesmanship,” a nod to his supporters who admire his unyielding approach. Yet, critics might argue this rigidity stifles any chance for peace talks, even if they’re skeptical of Palestinian leadership.

The prime minister also pointed to his government’s efforts to double Jewish settlements in Judea and Samaria. He vowed to keep expanding these settlements, a move that’s sure to inflame tensions with pro-Palestinian activists who see this as a land grab. For conservatives, though, it’s a bold assertion of Israel’s historical and biblical claim to the territory.

Settlement Expansion Fuels Debate

Netanyahu’s focus on Judea and Samaria settlements signals a doubling down on Israel’s presence in contested areas. His pledge to continue this expansion is a direct challenge to international calls for a two-state solution. It’s a calculated move that plays well to his base but risks alienating even moderate allies.

Interestingly, Netanyahu’s reference to “west of the Jordan River” hints at a controversial idea: that a Palestinian state could exist east of the river, in modern-day Jordan. This echoes a historical argument among some Israelis that Jordan, once part of the British Mandate of Palestine until 1922, should be considered the Palestinian state. It’s a clever rhetorical sidestep, but one that’s unlikely to gain traction globally.

The current Palestinian administration, described as a sponsor of terror and an autocratic regime, complicates the statehood debate. With no fixed borders and ongoing human rights violations, the recognized “state” exists more on paper than in reality. For conservatives, this is proof that statehood is premature at best, dangerous at worst.

Hostages and International Pressure

The Hostage and Missing Families Forum, representing families of 48 Israeli hostages—20 of whom are believed alive—slammed the recognition of Palestinian statehood. Their condemnation highlights the human toll of the conflict, with families arguing that such moves ignore the plight of captives. It’s a poignant reminder that diplomacy can’t gloss over real-world suffering.

Netanyahu promised a formal Israeli response to these statehood recognitions after his U.S. visit, scheduled post-Jewish New Year on September 29. His White House trip suggests he’s gearing up for high-stakes talks, likely to press Israel’s case against what he sees as reckless international policies. Conservatives will be watching closely, hoping he holds the line against progressive agendas.

“And I have another message for you: It’s not going to happen. There will be no Palestinian state to the west of the Jordan River,” Netanyahu declared. This defiance is a rallying cry for those who see a Palestinian state as a threat to Israel’s security. But it also risks painting him as intransigent, potentially isolating Israel diplomatically.

A Divisive Vision for the Future

Netanyahu’s stance is rooted in a belief that a Palestinian state west of the Jordan would endanger Israel’s existence. Many pro-Palestinian activists, however, view such a state as a step toward replacing Israel entirely, a fear that fuels conservative skepticism of statehood talks. This clash of visions ensures the issue remains a diplomatic minefield.

For years, Netanyahu has resisted what he calls a “terror state” in Israel’s heartland, a position he reiterated with force on Sunday. “For years I have prevented the creation of that terror state, against tremendous pressure, both domestic and from abroad,” he said. It’s a boast that resonates with those who prioritize Israel’s sovereignty over global consensus.

Yet, the lack of clear borders and the Palestinian authority’s troubling record raise legitimate questions about statehood’s viability. Netanyahu’s critics may call him obstructionist, but his supporters see a leader standing firm against a world quick to embrace feel-good policies without grappling with their consequences. As he prepares for his U.S. visit, the world waits to see how this hardline stance will shape Israel’s future.