PM Netanyahu Objects, US: There's No Way To Solve Israel's Security Problems Without A Palestinian State

JAKARTA - Senior US officials said on Thursday there was no way to resolve Israel's long-term security concerns in the region, as well as short-term challenges in Gaza's rebuilding, without the creation of a Palestinian State.

Speaking at a news conference, US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said Israel had a chance at the moment, as countries in the region were ready to provide security guarantees to Israel.

"However, there is no way to resolve their long-term challenges to provide lasting security, and there is no way to resolve short-term challenges in rebuilding Gaza and building government in Gaza and providing security for Gaza, without the creation of a Palestinian state," Miller said. January 19.

The comments came after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told a news conference he had told Washington of his objections to the idea of a Palestinian State that did not guarantee Israel's security.

"I clarify that under any future arrangements, with an agreement or without an agreement, Israel must have security control over the entire western region of the Jordan River. That is a necessary requirement. This goes against the principles of sovereignty, but what can you do," said PM Netanyahu in Tel Aviv.

He added that the lack of Palestinian state status did not hinder the normalization agreement with Arab countries a few years ago, and he still intends to add more countries to the agreement.

Israel and its biggest supporter, the United States, currently appear at odds, with PM Netanyahu and its far-right coalition government largely rejecting the creation of a Palestinian state, although Washington argues the two-state solution is the only feasible way to realize lasting peace in territory.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, on his fourth trip to the Middle East last week since the Hamas attack on October 7, gave Israel harsh approval that neighboring Muslim-majority countries would help rehabilitate Gaza after the war and continue economic integration with Israel.

However, it can only be realized if Israel is ultimately committed to allowing the formation of an independent Palestinian state.

It is known that negotiations brokered by the US regarding the Palestinian state in the territory now occupied by Israel failed nearly a decade ago.

The latest Palestinian-Israeli conflict broke out when Hamas militants invaded Israel's southern region on October 7. About 1,200 people were killed and 240 others held hostage. Later, Israel said more than 130 people were still being held.

Israel responded to Hamas' attacks with sieges, bombings and land invasions of Gaza that had destroyed the small coastal area and killed more than 24,000 people, according to Gaza health officials.

Despite differences of opinion, US support for its longtime ally Israel, "has remained strong," Miller said.

"It's not about the United States forcing them to do anything. It's about America giving them the opportunity they have," he said.