Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday vowed to oppose international efforts to recognise a Palestinian state, warning that such a move would threaten Israel’s survival. Netanyahu made the remarks as several countries, including France, the UK, Canada, Australia, and Belgium, prepared to announce recognition of Palestinian statehood at the United Nations next week.“We will also need to fight, both at the UN and in all other arenas, against the false propaganda directed at us and against calls for a Palestinian state, which would endanger our existence and serve as absurd reward for terrorism,” Netanyahu told his cabinet. “The international community will hear from us on this matter in the coming days.”Netanyahu also pointed out Israel’s recent military actions in Lebanon, saying that victories against the Hezbollah militant group had opened opportunities for peace with neighbouring Lebanon and Syria. “Our victories in Lebanon against Hezbollah have opened a window for a possibility that was not even imagined before our recent operations and actions: the possibility of peace with our northern neighbours,” he said. “We are conducting talks with the Syrians — there is some progress, but it is still a long way off.”Meanwhile, Israeli strikes in Gaza killed at least 34 people overnight, including children, Gaza health officials reported on Sunday. The attacks come amid Israel’s ongoing offensive in Gaza and ahead of planned discussions at the UN General Assembly, where recognition of Palestinian statehood is expected to be debated.In a major diplomatic move, French President Emmanuel Macron announced plans to recognise a Palestinian state. Macron’s announcement, originally made over the summer, will be followed by recognition from nine other nations, including Australia, Belgium, Canada, and the UK, according to the Elysee.In the UK, Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to officially announce recognition of Palestinian statehood, with his deputy David Lammy stating that Starmer “will set out the position later on today.” Portugal is also scheduled to make a formal declaration of recognition on Sunday, according to Lisbon’s foreign ministry.
