Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has told the United States that he opposes the establishment
of a Palestinian state as part of any post-war scenario, underscoring divisions between the allies three
months into Israel’s relentless military assault on Gaza.
In a nationally broadcast news conference on Thursday, Netanyahu pledged to press ahead with the
offensive until Israel realises a “decisive victory over Hamas” and said he had relayed his positions on
Palestinian statehood to US officials.
Following Netanyahu’s comments, US National Security Adviser John Kirby said that there would be no
reoccupation of Gaza after the war and emphasised that the US remains committed to a two-state
solution.
US Department of State spokesperson Matthew Miller also said Israel now has an opportunity to engage
with the idea of a Palestinian state, as countries in the region are ready to provide security assurances.

“There is no way to solve [Israel’s] long-term challenges to provide lasting security and there is no way
to solve the short-term challenges of rebuilding Gaza and establishing governance in Gaza and providing
security for Gaza without the establishment of a Palestinian state,” he told a news briefing on Thursday.
He added that despite differences of opinion between the US and Israel, “our support for Israel remains
ironclad.”