Netanyahu Vows to Block Palestinian State Before October Election

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed on Saturday to block the establishment of a Palestinian state in Gaza or the West Bank for the duration of his time in office. Netanyahu characterized such a state as being controlled by Iran and used the biblical term Judea and Samaria to refer to the occupied territories. During a meeting with Jared Kushner, Netanyahu stated he is 100% firm against the creation of a Palestinian state, asserting that the vast majority of Israelis share this position.

These comments followed a speech by Mansour Abbas, leader of the United Arab List, who asserted that the State of Palestine already exists and is recognized globally. Abbas urged both Israel and the United States to grant formal recognition to materialize peace between the two states.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir criticized Abbas, claiming his plan is to establish a state of terror. Netanyahu further warned that a narrow left-wing coalition forming the next government after the October 27 election would lead to such a state, characterizing a potential partnership with the United Arab List as a coalition with the Muslim Brotherhood.

The political clash occurs as recent opinion polls indicate Netanyahu's Likud party and its coalition partners are falling short of the 61 seats necessary to form a government, with one poll projecting the bloc at 51 seats.