Britain ‘disappointed’ by Benjamin Netanyahu’s opposition to Palestinian statehood
- ‘The UK’s position remains (that) a two-state solution … is the best route to lasting peace,’ a spokesman for UK PM Rishi Sunak said
- Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Joe Biden have also disagreed over the future creation of an independent Palestinian state
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s opposition to a future sovereign Palestinian state is “disappointing”, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s office said on Monday, reiterating British support for a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestinian conflict.
Asked about Netanyahu’s comments, Sunak’s spokesman told reporters: “It’s disappointing to hear this from the Israeli prime minister.”
“The UK’s position remains (that) a two-state solution, with a viable and sovereign Palestinian state living alongside a safe and secure Israel, is the best route to lasting peace,” the spokesman said.
The two-state solution has long been the fundamental framework of international efforts to resolve the conflict but the peace process has been moribund for years.
Britain has backed Israel’s right to retaliate against Hamas after the militant group’s deadly October 7 assault on southern Israel.