"Rewarding Terror With Enormous Prize": Netanyahu To UK, Canada On Palestine

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday issued a stern warning to Britain, Canada, and Australia following their recognition of Palestinian state, accusing them of "rewarding terror" after the October 7 Hamas attack.

Netanyahu emphatically declared that there would be "no Palestinian state to the west of the Jordan River," reinforcing his opposition to Palestinian statehood.

In his statement, the Israeli Prime Minister said, "There will be no Palestinian state. The response to the latest attempt to force upon us a terror state in the heart of our land will be given after my return from the United States."

He directly addressed the leaders of countries recognizing a Palestinian state: "You are rewarding terror with an enormous prize. And I have another message for you: It's not going to happen. There will be no Palestinian state to the west of the Jordan River."

Maintaining his long-standing position against Palestinian statehood, Netanyahu pledged to continue expanding Israeli settlements in the West Bank.

"For years, I have prevented the creation of that terror state, against tremendous pressure, both domestic and from abroad. We have done this with determination, and with astute statesmanship. Moreover, we have doubled the Jewish settlement in Judea and Samaria, and we will continue on this path," he affirmed.

Britain, Canada, and Australia formally recognized the Palestinian state today, joining other nations in a move intended to revive momentum for a two-state solution—a move criticized by both Israel and the United States.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on social media: "Today, to revive the hope of peace for the Palestinians and Israelis, and a two state solution, the United Kingdom formally recognises the State of Palestine."

Today, to revive the hope of peace for the Palestinians and Israelis, and a two state solution, the United Kingdom formally recognises the State of Palestine. pic.twitter.com/yrg6Lywc1s

— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) September 21, 2025

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney stated: "Canada recognises the State of Palestine and offers our partnership in building the promise of a peaceful future for both the State of Palestine and the State of Israel."

Today, Canada recognises the State of Palestine. pic.twitter.com/zhumVJRBfe

— Mark Carney (@MarkJCarney) September 21, 2025

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese declared: "Today's act of recognition reflects Australia's longstanding commitment to a two-state solute, which has always been the only path to enduring peace and security for the Israeli and the Palestinian people."

My statement formally recognising the State of Palestine. pic.twitter.com/LnmrX29TCV

— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) September 21, 2025

Albanese added that Australia will continue working with international partners to build on this recognition and bring the Middle East closer to lasting peace and security.

Australia will continue to work with our international partners to build on today's act of recognition and to bring the Middle East closer to lasting peace and security. pic.twitter.com/p25oC3v8GN

— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) September 21, 2025

Meanwhile, Palestinian Foreign Minister Varsen Aghabekian Shahin stated that countries recognizing a Palestinian state this week were taking an irreversible step that preserved the two-state solution and brought Palestinian independence and sovereignty closer.