Following a report in the Washington Post in which it was announced that the US is working according to a precise timetable for the establishment of a Palestinian state immediately after the release of all hostages held in Gaza and the cessation of fighting, ministers and MKs in Israel slammed the proposed deal.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich wrote: "We will in no way agree to this plan, which in fact says that the Palestinians deserve a reward for the terrible massacre they have done to us: a Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital. The message is that it pays very well to massacre the citizens of Israel. A Palestinian state is an existential threat to the State of Israel, as was proven on October 7. Kfar Saba will not be Kfar Gaza!
Today, at the meeting of the security cabinet, I will demand a clear and unequivocal decision stating that Israel opposes the establishment of a Palestinian state and the imposition of sanctions on over half a million settlers. I expect clear support from Prime Minister Netanyahu, Benny Gantz, Gadi Eisenkot and all the ministers."
Minister of Settlements and National Missions Orit Strook attacked the American administration. "For Biden, and for everyone who considers himself our friend, Israel will not commit suicide, nor will it harm its security again with its own hands," she stated.
According to her, "The lesson of October 7 is that disengagement leads to terror. The lesson (of the war) is that the Palestinian Authority equals Hamas, with the same motivations, only with less capabilities. Kfar Saba will not be Kfar Gaza. A Palestinian state will not be established. Shame on you for the proposal!"
MK Ze'ev Elkin of the National Unity Party joined in the chorus of ministers opposed to Biden's plan: "It won't happen! The establishment of a Palestinian state means the establishment of a Hamas state, which will win any election they hold. Such a step would risk a repeat of the events of October 7 for the entire country. No one offered the United States to establish an Al-Qaeda state along its border after 9/11. The Israeli public will not let this happen!"
National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir wrote: "The intention of the United States, together with the Arab countries, to establish a terrorist state alongside the State of Israel is illusionary and part of the mistaken concept that the other side is a partner for peace. After October 7, it is clearer than ever that we must not give them a state. So long as we are in the government, a Palestinian state will not be established."
Minister Amichai Chikli (Likud) also reacted sharply and in an interview with Army Radio. "If this is the American vision - we should fight it and threaten them with our own unilateral measures, such as canceling the Oslo Accords."
MK Zvi Sukkot (Otzma Yehudit) also opposed the plan: "There will not be a Palestinian state between the Jordan and the sea. Never!" he wrote.
The head of the Binyamin Regional Council, Yisrael Gantz, also reacted sharply: "You want to murder and get away with it? To establish a Palestinian state after the massacre in October is a moral disgrace and a tremendous danger to Israel's existence. There's no way it will happen!
In recent months, the IDF has been dealing with terrorism in Judea and Samaria a few meters from Netanya, Kfar Saba and Tel Aviv. The establishment of a Palestinian state will turn Kfar Saba into Gaza and Modi'in into Be'eri," he continued.
It is unacceptable that Israel's ally would provide a reward and encouragement to the murderers and rapists of women and children who attacked the Jewish people and the State of Israel just four months ago. The Israeli government must absolutely announce that it rejects and opposes any such move today. The responsibility rests on the shoulders of the prime minister and cabinet ministers," added Gantz.
