UK Defense Minister Disappointed by Netanyahu’s Rejection of Palestinian State

Grant Shapps, the UK’s Secretary of State for Defence, has expressed disappointment over Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s recent remarks dismissing the creation of a Palestinian state. In a news conference in Tel Aviv, Netanyahu had stated that Israel requires security control over all territories west of the Jordan River, conflicting with the concept of Palestinian sovereignty.

Reacting to these statements, Shapps, in an interview with Sky News, described Netanyahu’s stance as regrettable, emphasizing the UK’s firm belief in the two-state solution as the only viable path to peace. He asserted that the international community, including the UK, has largely agreed that a two-state solution, involving a sovereign Palestinian state, is the optimal route forward.

Shapps further clarified that this solution should ensure sovereignty for Palestine while also providing security assurances for Israel. He noted the absence of alternative solutions to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Additionally, UK shadow Foreign Secretary David Lammy supported US President Joe Biden’s call for a two-state solution. Lammy labelled Netanyahu’s comments as unacceptable, affirming the right of the Palestinian people to their own state.