Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday lashed out at the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia for formally recognising a Palestinian state, calling the move a “reward for terror” and vowing there would never be a Palestinian state west of the Jordan River.
In a video message released shortly after the three countries’ coordinated announcement on September 21, 2025, Netanyahu said, “I have a clear message for those leaders who recognise a Palestinian state after the horrific massacre on October 7: you are granting a huge reward to terror.
"And I have another message for you: it will not happen. No Palestinian state will be established west of the Jordan River.”
Recognition Moves by Western Allies
The recognitions by London, Ottawa, and Canberra followed similar steps earlier in the year by Spain, Ireland, and Norway. The governments said the move was aimed at reviving peace efforts and advancing the two-state solution.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer called it “a step to restore hope,” while Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said it was meant to support “a durable peace.”
Australia echoed those sentiments, stressing the need for a political horizon amid ongoing violence in Gaza and the West Bank.
Israel’s Firm Opposition
Netanyahu’s comments underscore his long-standing rejection of Palestinian statehood. Earlier this month, on September 11, he declared during a settlement expansion ceremony in the West Bank that “there will never be a Palestinian state.”
That earlier remark was tied to Israel’s approval of the E1 settlement project near Ma’ale Adumim, a move critics say undermines the territorial contiguity needed for a viable Palestinian state.
