Netanyahu Reaffirms Opposition to Palestinian State as West Bank Violence Escalates
JERUSALEM - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin netanyahu reiterated his long-standing opposition to a palestinian state, a position underscored amid a surge in violence in the Israeli-occupied West Bank and growing international concern. The reaffirmation comes ahead of an expected United Nations vote on Palestinian statehood.
netanyahu characterized recent attacks by jewish settlers in the West Bank as the work of a small minority, a claim disputed by Palestinians and human rights groups who allege widespread violence and government inaction. The escalating tensions are occurring alongside a rise in clashes between Israeli forces and Palestinians, raising fears of further instability.
Palestinian health officials reported Sunday that a 19-year-old Palestinian man was killed by Israeli fire, bringing the total number of Palestinians killed in the West Bank in the past two weeks to seven.the Israeli military stated the man threw an explosive device at soldiers during an operation in Nablus, prompting a response. A separate incident in the Far’a area resulted in the death of an individual attempting to harm Israeli forces, according to the military, though details remain scarce. Additionally, six Palestinian teenagers, aged 15 to 17, have been killed in four separate shootings over the last two weeks.
While Netanyahu downplayed the extent of settler violence, attributing it to a few extremists, critics point to the presence of settler leaders and their allies in key positions within his government – including ministries overseeing national police and West Bank settlement policies – as evidence of systemic support.
The escalating situation has drawn international attention. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed concern last week that events in the West Bank “could undermine what we’re doing in Gaza.” The U.N. Human Rights Commissioner’s office reported over 260 attacks by israeli settlers against Palestinians and their property in the West Bank in October, the highest monthly figure sence 2006.