Netanyahu Hits Back After UK, Australia, Canada Recognise Palestine As A State

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to challenge what he described as "slanderous propaganda" after the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada announced their recognition of Palestine as a state. Speaking at his weekly cabinet meeting, Netanyahu declared that Israel would push back against the move at the United Nations and other international forums. He rejected efforts to promote a Palestinian state, arguing that such a step would "endanger our existence and constitute an absurd prize for terrorism." Netanyahu further indicated that "the world will hear from us on this matter in the coming days," hinting at possible internal discussions about annexing parts of the occupied West Bank.

Although Netanyahu has not yet outlined his full response, he noted in a video message that Israel's next steps would be decided following his upcoming meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump next week, CNN reported.

The remarks came after the UK, Australia, and Canada jointly recognised Palestine on Sunday, emphasising their support for a two-state solution. These governments, however, stressed that Hamas must be dismantled immediately. "Australia formally recognises the independent and sovereign State of Palestine. In doing so, Australia recognises the legitimate and long-held aspirations of the people of Palestine to a state of their own," the Australian Prime Minister's Office stated.

Israel's Foreign Ministry strongly condemned the decisions, warning that such recognition undermines security in the region rather than promoting peace. "Israel categorically rejects the one-sided declaration of the recognition of a Palestinian state made by the United Kingdom and some other countries. This declaration does not promote peace, but on the contrary - further destabilises the region and undermines the chances of achieving a peaceful solution in the future," the ministry said.

It also linked the move to the Hamas-led October 7 attack, calling the recognition "the fruits of the October 7 massacre." The statement added: "The declaration not only rewards the biggest massacre of Jews since the Holocaust by a terror organisation that is calling and acting for the annihilation of Israel, but also solidifies the support Hamas enjoys."

With inputs from ANI