Netanyahu Rejects Full Palestinian State, Cites Security Concerns After Hamas Attack

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday, reaffirming his opposition to a fully sovereign Palestinian state. Citing the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack from Gaza, Netanyahu stated that any future Palestinian entity must lack powers that could threaten Israel’s security.

“We want peace with Palestinians who don’t seek to destroy us,” Netanyahu said, but emphasized that Israel must retain full security control. “The Palestinians should have all the powers to govern themselves, but none of the powers to threaten us,” he added. He warned that Gaza, under Hamas, became a “state of terror,” using its resources for tunnels and attacks rather than development.

Trump, when asked if a two-state solution was still viable, deferred the question to Netanyahu, replying, “I don’t know.” The meeting coincided with indirect talks in Qatar between Israeli officials and Hamas, brokered by the U.S., aiming to secure a ceasefire and hostage release.

Netanyahu’s remarks come as members of his Likud party push to annex parts of the occupied West Bank before the Knesset's July recess. Pro-settler factions are encouraged by Trump’s return to the political scene, especially after he floated the idea of relocating Palestinians from Gaza—an idea widely condemned internationally.

The ongoing conflict has led to over 57,000 Palestinian deaths, according to Gaza’s health ministry, and has displaced most of the enclave’s population. Israel launched its offensive following Hamas’ deadly October attack that killed around 1,200 Israelis and resulted in 251 hostages, with 20 believed still alive.

Despite decades of U.S.-led peace efforts, hopes for a Palestinian state remain elusive as Israel expands settlements and maintains control over key territories.