Netanyahu Faces Far‑Right Backlash After US‑Backed Statement on Palestinian State

The U.S.-Backed Resolution That Sparked the Uproar

On November 7, the UN Security Council began negotiating a draft resolution endorsed by the United States and several Muslim-majority countries. The proposal supports Donald Trump’s 20-point Gaza peace plan, which envisions a transitional “Board of Peace” to oversee reconstruction and governance — and includes language on possible eventual Palestinian self-determination.

A key line in the plan affirms that under certain reforms within the Palestinian Authority, “conditions may finally be in place for a credible pathway to Palestinian self‑determination and statehood.”

Furious Far‑Right Coalition Ministers Respond

Right-wing ministers in Netanyahu’s government reacted sharply:

Itamar Ben-Gvir, the National Security Minister, threatened to leave the coalition unless Netanyahu explicitly rejected the concept of a Palestinian state.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich accused Netanyahu of diplomatic “disgrace” for not speaking out sooner and demanded a categorical denial of statehood.

Their message was clear: any shift toward recognition would unravel the government’s far-right base.

Netanyahu’s Response: Defiant but Trying to Balance

In response, Netanyahu issued a firm statement reaffirming Israel’s position: Gaza must be demilitarized, Hamas disarmed — and “there will be no Palestinian state in any territory.”

He added sharply, “I do not need affirmations, tweets or lectures from anyone,” signaling his resistance to international pressure.

Risks to the Coalition

Should relations deteriorate further, Netanyahu’s far‑right government faces a real risk of collapse — potentially triggering early elections ahead of the scheduled October 2026 vote.

Defense Minister Israel Katz and Foreign Minister Gideon Saar also publicly reiterated their rejection of Palestinian statehood, aligning with the more radical voices in the coalition.

Broader Implications

This internal rift reveals a deeper challenge for Netanyahu: balancing U.S. diplomatic support with the hardline positions of his ultra‑nationalist partners.

The U.S., despite backing the UN draft, remains deeply invested in a political solution for Gaza.