Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday declared that a Palestinian state will “never” exist, firmly rejecting the long-standing two-state solution proposal. Speaking during a visit to the Maale Adumim settlement in the occupied West Bank, he vowed to expand Israel’s presence in the region. “There will never be a Palestinian state. This place is ours. We will safeguard our heritage, our land, and our security,” Netanyahu said.
The move coincides with the revival of the controversial E1 project, which would connect Maale Adumim to Jerusalem and effectively split the occupied West Bank in two. The project, recently approved by Israel’s defence ministry planning commission, includes thousands of new housing units, roads, and infrastructure investments estimated at nearly $1 billion.
The E1 project has long faced opposition from the United States, European governments, and human rights groups, who argue that it would make the creation of a viable Palestinian state impossible. Most of the international community considers Israeli settlements in the West Bank illegal under international law.
The decision comes at a time of heightened tensions in the region, with Israel’s ongoing military operations and strained relations with Western allies. Some countries have signalled they may move to recognise Palestinian statehood at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly, further isolating Israel on the global stage.