Netanyahu Said Norway, Ireland And Spain Recognizing Palestine Will Create "A Terrorist State”
“This would be a terrorist state. It will try to repeat the massacre of October 7 again and again; we will not consent to this,” Netanyahu said. “Rewarding terrorism will not bring peace and neither will it stop us from defeating Hamas.”
Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has condemned the historic move by Norway, Ireland, and Spain to formally recognize Palestine as a state, calling it a “reward for terrorism”
The three countries said on Wednesday May 22 that recognizing a Palestinian state would facilitate a two-state solution, which is essential to end Israel’s war on Gaza and ensure peace in the Middle East.
In response to the announcement, Netanyahu said in a video shared on social media the same day that “evil cannot be given a state.”
“This would be a terrorist state. It will try to repeat the massacre of October 7 again and again; we will not consent to this,” he said. “Rewarding terrorism will not bring peace and neither will it stop us from defeating Hamas.”
Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz also recalled its ambassadors in Norway, Ireland and Spain.
“Today’s decision sends a message to the Palestinians and the world: Terrorism pays,” Katz said in a post on X.
Katz went on to say that the “distorted step by these countries” could also impede efforts to secure the safe return of hostages held captive in Gaza and will undermine the chances for a ceasefire by giving “a boost to Hamas and Iran’s jihadists.”
“The Irish-Norwegian folly does not deter us; we are determined to achieve our goals: restoring security to our citizens, dismantling Hamas, and bringing the hostages home,” he added.
Echoing a similar sentiment, Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir said the countries are “giving a prize to murderers.”
Speaking at the al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Israeli-occupied East Jerusalem, Ben-Gvir added that Israel must maintain control over the mosque and should go “all the way” with its invasion of Rafah in southern Gaza to eliminate Hamas.
Since Oct. 7, Israel’s attacks and relentless bombardment have killed more than 35,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, in Gaza.
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Isha Jain
Isha Jain
Kassy Cho
