Netanyahu defies Biden over Palestinian state

IPrime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has again rejected the idea of creating a Palestinian state.

His comments came hours after a phone call with US President Joe Biden after which the United States leader indicated Mr Netanyahu may still accept the idea.

Mr Netanyahu's remarks appeared to deepen a public divide with the US.

America believes a Palestinian state alongside Israel, known as a "two- state solution" is vital for long- term stability.

But the White House acknowledged this week

America and Israeli governments "clearly see things differently".

Speaking to reporters after the two leaders held a call for the first time in almost a month, Mr Biden insisted a two- state solution was still possible with Mr Netanyahu in office.

"There are a number of types of two- state solutions. There's a number of countries that are members of the UN that don't have their own militaries," he said.

But on Saturday Mr Netanyahu doubled down on his position, which he has held for much of his political career and repeated earlier this week.

A statement released by his office read: "In his conversation with President Biden, Prime Minister Netanyahu reiterated his policy that after Hamas is destroyed Israel must retain security control over Gaza to ensure that Gaza will no longer pose a threat to Israel, a requirement that contradicts the demand for Palestinian sovereignty."

Also on Saturday, in a post on X, formerly Twitter, he said Israel must retain "security control over the entire area west of ( River) Jordan", an area which also encompasses the Israeli- occupied West Bank territory.