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In a post on X, Saar argued that the push for Palestinian statehood is ill-timed, noting that captives remain held in Gaza. He further accused the Palestinian Authority in the occupied West Bank of funding terrorism and inciting violence against Israel. “For the State of Israel, this is a security and even existential issue of the highest order,” Saar wrote. “A Palestinian state would be a Hamas state. It would be the frontline jihadist stronghold, a few kilometres from our population centres, in the continuation of the campaign against Israel.”
The UK’s announcement, made by Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Tuesday, conditions recognition on Israel taking “substantive steps” to end the war in Gaza, agree to a ceasefire, and commit to a sustainable peace process. France, meanwhile, has confirmed its intention to recognise Palestine at the UNGA, becoming the first G7 nation to do so. These developments follow the recognition of Palestine by 147 UN member states, including Spain, Ireland, and Norway last year.
Saar’s remarks underscore Israel’s firm opposition to Palestinian statehood, framing it as a direct threat to national security. The comments have intensified tensions as the international community ramps up diplomatic efforts to address the ongoing conflict in Gaza, where over 60,000 Palestinians have been killed since Israel’s military offensive began in response to the Hamas-led attacks that killed 1,139 people in Israel.
As the UNGA approaches, Saar’s warning highlights the deepening divide between Israel and key Western allies over the path to resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
