Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected Thursday night a "unilateral" recognition of a Palestinian state he said would constitute "a major reward for unprecedented terrorism" that the Hamas terror organization unleashed on Israel on Oct. 7.
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Such a step would "prevent any future peace agreement," he wrote on X. "Israel categorically rejects international dictates regarding a permanent settlement with the Palestinians. Such an arrangement will be reached only through direct negotiations between the parties, without preconditions."
Video: Hamas operative admits to Israeli hostages being held and Hamas terrorists hiding behind civilians in Nasser Hospital / Credit: X/@IDF
Netanyahu made the comment amid growing tensions with US President Joe Biden who is reportedly working on an ambitious new Middle East peace plan together with key regional partners such as Egypt, Jordan and Saudi Arabia that includes a timeline for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.
The two leaders spoke on the phone Thursday evening in a conversation that lasted for 40 minutes, according to the Prime Minister's Office.
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