Israeli Prime Minister: Independent Palestinian state not yet possible

This statement by Mr. Netanyahu has met with strong criticism from the Palestinian Authority and the Obama administration.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu once again affirmed that it is impossible to establish an independent Palestinian state in the current context.

In an interview with Voice of America that was broadcast by Radio Israel on March 20, Mr. Netanyahu stated that an independent Palestinian state can only be established with fundamental changes.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (Photo Reuters)

Accordingly, the head of the Israeli Government reiterated the statement made in 2009 on the conditions for establishing an independent Palestinian state, that Israel is only willing to accept "an independent, unarmed Palestinian state that recognizes the Jewish State."

During the campaign for the recent Israeli parliamentary election, Mr. Netanyahu frankly declared that he would not accept the establishment of an independent Palestinian state and would step up settlement activities in Jerusalem if he won the election.

This statement by Mr. Netanyahu has met with strong criticism from the Palestinian Authority and the US administration of President Obama.

With the Likud Party's surprising victory in the Israeli parliamentary election on March 17 (gaining 30 seats in the 120-seat Parliament), Mr. Netanyahu is facing a great opportunity to lead an Israeli coalition government for another 4-year term./.

According to Vov.vn