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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu articulated his opposition to a two-state solution and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, during a televised press conference on Saturday.
Speaking in a televised address, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed rejection of a two-state solution and an independent Palestinian state.
“We shall not bow down to international dictates in regards to a future deal with the Palestinians. Such a compromise should be through direct negotiations with no preconditions,” he said.
“How can we give recognition to such a state after the massacre of October 7? This would be a reward for terrorism,” he continued.
In a news conference, the Israeli prime minister stated that Israel’s military "pressure is working" against Hamas, claiming troops have “reached areas in Gaza that the enemy never imagined.”
Netanyahu also labeled Hamas’s demands in negotiations to reach a truce in Gaza "delusional."
Netanyahu said critics calling for Israel not to mount military action in Rafah were effectively telling the country to "lose the war" against Hamas.
The Israeli premier also indicated that troops would go into the southern Gaza Strip city regardless of whether a hostage release was agreed. "Even if we achieve it, we will enter Rafah," he told a televised news conference.
Israel has faced increasing calls, including from its closest ally the United States, to hold off sending troops into the southern Gazan city, where some 1.4 million people have fled.
The military maintains that it is working to move civilians from the area to minimize casualties, but has not revealed the exact details of its evacuation plan.
He was speaking as thousands of Israelis protested in Tel Aviv, accusing Netanyahu's government of abandoning hostages kidnapped in the October 7 attack and still held in Gaza.
They chanted that the government had "blood on its hands" and called for Israel to negotiate. Among them was Yair Mozes, whose father Gadi was among the captives.
"I'm sorry that the Prime Minister thinks that it's not necessary to send representatives to the negotiations in Cairo, where all the parties and mediators are except for Israel," he added.
In one of the largest protests since the war on Gaza began, thousands of protestors are calling for early elections to be held.
Israeli Demonstrators have blocked the road outside the Ministry of Defense, as the Prime Minister stated that the “last thing” Israel currently needs are elections.
Khalil Wakim, with AFP
Speaking in a televised address, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed rejection of a two-state solution and an independent Palestinian state.
“We shall not bow down to international dictates in regards to a future deal with the Palestinians. Such a compromise should be through direct negotiations with no preconditions,” he said.
“How can we give recognition to such a state after the massacre of October 7? This would be a reward for terrorism,” he continued.
In a news conference, the Israeli prime minister stated that Israel’s military "pressure is working" against Hamas, claiming troops have “reached areas in Gaza that the enemy never imagined.”
Netanyahu also labeled Hamas’s demands in negotiations to reach a truce in Gaza "delusional."
Netanyahu said critics calling for Israel not to mount military action in Rafah were effectively telling the country to "lose the war" against Hamas.
The Israeli premier also indicated that troops would go into the southern Gaza Strip city regardless of whether a hostage release was agreed. "Even if we achieve it, we will enter Rafah," he told a televised news conference.
Israel has faced increasing calls, including from its closest ally the United States, to hold off sending troops into the southern Gazan city, where some 1.4 million people have fled.
The military maintains that it is working to move civilians from the area to minimize casualties, but has not revealed the exact details of its evacuation plan.
Domestic opposition
He was speaking as thousands of Israelis protested in Tel Aviv, accusing Netanyahu's government of abandoning hostages kidnapped in the October 7 attack and still held in Gaza.
They chanted that the government had "blood on its hands" and called for Israel to negotiate. Among them was Yair Mozes, whose father Gadi was among the captives.
"I'm sorry that the Prime Minister thinks that it's not necessary to send representatives to the negotiations in Cairo, where all the parties and mediators are except for Israel," he added.
In one of the largest protests since the war on Gaza began, thousands of protestors are calling for early elections to be held.
Israeli Demonstrators have blocked the road outside the Ministry of Defense, as the Prime Minister stated that the “last thing” Israel currently needs are elections.
Hundreds of people have also rallied outside President Herzog's residence in Jerusalem, demanding early elections.
The protestors have begun marching to Paris Square, where they will rally to demand the release of Hamas hostages in Gaza.
Khalil Wakim, with AFP
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