Israeli political figures from both the government and the opposition on Sunday condemned the decision by the UK, Australia, and Canada to recognize a Palestinian state, calling the move a reward for terrorism and a threat to Israel’s security.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his allies pledged to respond to the move, and doubled down on their opposition to the idea of a Palestinian state, with several in his coalition pushing for West Bank annexation as a response.

Leaders of the opposition — while echoing the premier’s arguments against the step — blamed the premier for not preventing the “diplomatic disaster.”

In making their announcements Sunday, the UK, Australia, and Canada each argued that recognizing a State of Palestine would sideline the Hamas terror group, with which Israel is at war in Gaza, and advance long-term peace between Israel and the Palestinians.

But Netanyahu, in a Hebrew-language video statement, charged: “I have a clear message to those leaders who recognize a Palestinian state after the horrific massacre on October 7 — you are handing a huge reward to terror.”

The premier added: “It will not happen. A Palestinian state will not be established west of the Jordan.”

Netanyahu boasted that under his leadership, Israel “doubled Jewish settlement in Judea and Samaria — and we will continue on this course,” using a biblical term for the West Bank.

“The response to the recent attempt to force a terrorist state upon us in the heart of our land will be given after my return from the United States,” said Netanyahu, who is set to depart for the US later this week to speak at the UN before meeting with US President Donald Trump. “Wait.”

President Isaac Herzog also condemned the diplomatic decision, saying it “will only embolden the forces of darkness.”

“After the atrocities of October 7, while Hamas continues its campaign of terror, and while it continues to cruelly hold 48 hostages in the tunnels and dungeons of Gaza, the recognition of a Palestinian state by some nations today is, not surprisingly, cheered by Hamas,” he wrote on X.

“It will not help one Palestinian,” Herzog continued. “It won’t help free one hostage, and it will not help us reach any settlement between Israelis and Palestinians. It will only embolden the forces of darkness. This is a sad day for those who seek true peace.”

Far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir announced that he will propose annexing the West Bank, as a response to the Western nations’ move, declaring in a statement: “The recognition by the UK, Canada, and Australia of a ‘Palestinian’ state as a prize for the murderous [Hamas] terrorists, requires immediate countermeasures.”

Ben Gvir called for “the immediate application of sovereignty in Judea and Samaria, and the complete dismantling of the ‘Palestinian’ Authority.” He also announced his........

© The Times of Israel