Israel formally rejects moves by West to recognize Palestinian state

The Israeli government formally rejected any attempts by Western countries to unilaterally recognize Palestinian statehood as it issued a formal statement Sunday against such a move.

“Israel outright rejects international dictates regarding a final status agreement with the Palestinians. The agreement, in so far as it will be reached, will be solely through direct negotiations between the parties, without preconditions,” the government said in a statement on the issue after its Sunday meeting.

“Israel will continue to oppose the unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state. Such recognition in the wake of the October 7th massacre would give a huge reward to unprecedented terrorism and prevent any future peace agreement,” the statement emphasized.