Israel Firmly Rejects Unilateral Recognition of Palestinian State

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government unanimously approved a measure rejecting any foreign attempts to create a Palestinian state, emphasizing that such an arrangement can only be reached through direct negotiations without preconditions. This comes in response to international pressure for a two-state solution following the recent conflict with Hamas. Netanyahu personally delivered a similar message to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, arguing that recognizing a Palestinian state would reward terrorism. Former U.S. Ambassador to Israel David Friedman also expressed skepticism about the feasibility and advisability of a two-state solution, citing historical failures and deep-rooted issues.