In statements made to an Israeli media outlet on Wednesday, he warned that recognizing a Palestinian state would place Israel within “indefensible borders,” considering such a move as “suicidal” for the state. Saar based his stance on the Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip in 2005, known as the “Disengagement Plan,” pointing out that Israel dismantled its settlements, military camps, and even cemeteries, but this led to the emergence of a “massive terrorist network,” as he described it.
Saar criticized the Oslo Accords, which were signed during the tenure of former U.S. President Bill Clinton, aiming to prevent terrorism against Israel. He stated, “The Palestinian Authority did not fulfill its security commitments; instead of combating terrorism, the areas we withdrew from turned into bases for terrorism, leading to a deterioration in security conditions.”
Saar warned of the consequences of establishing a Palestinian state with control over its borders, airspace, and relations with potentially “extreme” other countries, considering it a direct threat to Israel’s security. He concluded his remarks by emphasizing that the two-state solution has lost popularity within Israel due to past experiences, describing it as an “international slogan” that does not reflect reality.
Last month, foreign ministers from 15 Western countries, including France and Spain, called for the recognition of the State of Palestine and a ceasefire in Gaza. The announcement of intentions to recognize the State of Palestine was met with rejection and condemnation from Israel and the United States.
A total of 147 countries have recognized the State of Palestine, including Russia, while the United States has not recognized it. In 2024, the United States used its veto power against Palestine’s full membership in the United Nations. Since then, 10 countries have recognized Palestine, including Ireland, Norway, Spain, and Armenia.
