Wednesday Aug 27, 2025
HE
NEWSLETTER
www.israelhayom.com
  • Home
  • News
    • Israel
    • Israel at War
    • Middle East
    • United States
  • Opinions
  • Jewish World
    • Archaeology
    • Antisemitism
  • Lifestyle
    • Food
    • Travel
    • Fashion
    • Culture
  • Magazine
    • Feature
    • Analysis
    • Explainer
  • In Memoriam
www.israelhayom.com
  • Home
  • News
    • Israel
    • Israel at War
    • Middle East
    • United States
  • Opinions
  • Jewish World
    • Archaeology
    • Antisemitism
  • Lifestyle
    • Food
    • Travel
    • Fashion
    • Culture
  • Magazine
    • Feature
    • Analysis
    • Explainer
  • In Memoriam
www.israelhayom.com
Home Analysis

Source: PM weighing embrace of US plan for Palestinian state as part of Saudi deal

A diplomatic source told Israel Hayom that the delay in Netanyahu's response to the emerging US plan and the restrained language reflect an implicit understanding currently being in the works, under which the PM could indeed express opposition to unilateral recognition, but will agree to negotiations on a future settlement without preconditions.

by  Ariel Kahana
Published on  02-18-2024 08:09
Last modified: 02-18-2024 08:28
Source: PM weighing embrace of US plan for Palestinian state as part of Saudi dealBandar Al-Jaloud / Saudi Royal Palace / AFP

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (R) welcoming US President Joe Biden at Al-Salam Palace in the Red Sea port of Jeddah | Photo: Bandar Al-Jaloud / Saudi Royal Palace / AFP

Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is considering a de facto embrace of the American plan to recognize a Palestinian state in exchange for a historic breakthrough vis-à-vis Saudi Arabia, Israel Hayom has learned.

Follow Israel Hayom on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram

According to the emerging plan, the Biden administration will unilaterally recognize a Palestinian state. Israel will voice opposition and make it clear that an agreement that includes a Palestinian state will only be discussed through direct negotiations. By accepting the American move, Israel hopes to bring about a historic political breakthrough with Saudi Arabia a knowledgeable diplomatic source told Israel Hayom.

On Thursday, the Washington Post reported that the Biden administration intends to formally recognize a Palestinian state within a few weeks. This elicited harsh criticism from many cabinet ministers who argued that creating such an entity would jeopardize Israel's security after the October 7 attack.

Netanyahu only issued a tepid rejection, and rather belatedly, and only on Thursday night.

On Saturday Netanyahu reiterated the remarks in a press briefing and said that "Israel flatly rejects international dictates regarding a permanent arrangement with the Palestinians. Such an arrangement will only be achieved through direct negotiations between the parties, without preconditions."

Netanyahu also said, "Israel will continue to oppose unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state. Such recognition, following the massacre of October 7, will grant an enormous prize to unprecedented terror and prevent any future peace settlement."

A diplomatic source told Israel Hayom that the delay in Netanyahu's response and the restrained language reflects an implicit understanding currently being in the works, under which the Biden administration under which Netanyahu could indeed express opposition to unilateral recognition, but will agree to negotiations on a future settlement without preconditions.

By taking such a de facto stance that is in line with the US, Netanyahu hopes the Americans will be able to convince the Saudis that Israel has taken significant steps to further the Palestinian cause. The reward for this will be Riyadh agreeing to a historic recognition of Israel.

Netanyahu has not yet made a final decision, but it is being seriously considered by him and Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer who has been spearheading the talks with the Americans.

Israel has long opposed the idea of having Western countries unilaterally recognize a Palestinian state. The assumption in Jerusalem is that such recognition would be a prize and would serve as a disincentive for the Palestinians to negotiate with Israel, as this would imply that the international community is extracting Israeli concessions unilaterally.

A diplomatic source said that if the American move goes ahead, it will deal a severe political blow. The source estimated that many Western countries will follow Washington and recognize a Palestinian state. However, the wording of the recognition is very important: whether it defines its territory and capital, who controls its security space, and other aspects.

Subscribe to Israel Hayom's daily newsletter and never miss our top stories!

Tags: Gaza War

Related Posts

Israel has powerful leverage over Egypt; it should use itAriel Schalit/AP

Israel has powerful leverage over Egypt; it should use it

by Ariel Kahana

Despite formal peace treaty, Egypt maintains hostile military posture while relying on Israeli energy supplies that prevent nationwide electrical grid...

Can you sue Grok for liable?Eric Sultan;Leon Neal/Pool Photo via AP;REUTERS/Dado Ruvic;

Can you sue Grok for liable?

by Jaguar A. Gal

Oren Hazan threat of lawsuit against the AI model became a viral joke, but raises serious questions – the Israeli...

IDF soldiers arrested over link to Iran in major Iron Dome espionage affairReuters / Morteza Nikoubazl

Iran moves towards dramatic internal conflict, and another war

by Dudi Kogan

While the Iranian regime struggles with a severe water crisis and sharp internal criticism of President Masoud Pezeshkian, who supports...

Menu

Analysis 

Archaeology

Blogpost

Business & Finance

Culture

Exclusive

Explainer

Environment

 

Features

Health

In Brief

Jewish World

Judea and Samaria

Lifestyle

Cyber & Internet

Sports

 

Diplomacy 

Iran & The Gulf

Gaza Strip

Politics

Shopping

Terms of use

Privacy Policy

Submissions

Contact Us

About Us

The first issue of Israel Hayom appeared on July 30, 2007. Israel Hayom was founded on the belief that the Israeli public deserves better, more balanced and more accurate journalism. Journalism that speaks, not shouts. Journalism of a different kind. And free of charge.

All rights reserved to Israel Hayom

Hosted by sPD.co.il

  • Home
  • News
    • Israel at War
    • Israel
    • United States
    • Middle East
    • Sports
  • Opinions
  • Jewish World
    • Archaeology
    • Antisemitism
  • Lifestyle
    • Food
    • Travel
    • Fashion
    • Culture
  • Magazine
    • Feature
    • Analysis
    • Explainer
    • Environment & Wildlife
    • Health & Wellness
  • In Memoriam
  • Subscribe to Newsletter
  • Submit your opinion
  • Terms and conditions

All rights reserved to Israel Hayom

Hosted by sPD.co.il

Newsletter

[contact-form-7 id=”508379″ html_id=”isrh_form_Newsletter_en” title=”newsletter_subscribe”]

  • Home
  • News
    • Israel at War
    • Israel
    • United States
    • Middle East
    • Sports
  • Opinions
  • Jewish World
    • Archaeology
    • Antisemitism
  • Lifestyle
    • Food
    • Travel
    • Fashion
    • Culture
  • Magazine
    • Feature
    • Analysis
    • Explainer
    • Environment & Wildlife
    • Health & Wellness
  • In Memoriam
  • Subscribe to Newsletter
  • Submit your opinion
  • Terms and conditions

All rights reserved to Israel Hayom

Hosted by sPD.co.il