Netanyahu: ‘There will not be a Palestinian state,’ even at cost of Saudi normalization

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insists that there will not be a Palestinian state, even at the cost of normalization with Saudi Arabia, as such a state would pose “an existential threat to Israel.”

“There will not be a Palestinian state. It’s very simple: it will not be established,” the premier says in his interview with the Abu Ali Express Telegram channel aired this evening.

Asked by the interviewer if his opposition holds even if it jeopardizes normalization with Riyadh — which insists on a credible pathway to Palestinian statehood in exchange for such ties –- Netanyahu says: “The answer is: a Palestinian state will not be established. It is an existential threat to Israel.”

Asked about what has prevented normalization with the Saudis, Netanyahu says the war in Gaza strained progress, but that “the conditions could develop” now that the war is winding down.

“But the conditions must be acceptable to both sides – terms that are good for both sides,” he says. “I know how to stand firm on our essential conditions and not endanger our security. And if this process ripens later on, excellent. And if not, we will safeguard our vital interests.”