The real reason Netanyahu is opposed to a Palestinian state

When Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told the Biden administration earlier this week that he objects to the establishment of a Palestinian state, the intended audience was his base of supporters – or what little of it he has left.

Since the start of the war on 7 October 2023, Netanyahu had zig-zagged between rejecting the idea of Palestinian rule over Gaza and showing some level of flexibility about the idea of a reformed Palestinian Authority (PA) managing Gaza’s day to day governance, with Israel managing the region’s security.

Netanyahu is torn between his dependence on the approval of his right-wing voters and his reliance on American support. The American administration has been extremely supportive of Israel, providing ammunition, protection from Houthi attacks from Yemen and deterrence against Iran and Hezbollah, as well as justifying the war internationally. But Biden’s warm embrace extends to the state of Israel, not to Netanyahu. Their personal relationship has been strained from the start – and Netanyahu’s latest statement will make matters worse.