The High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's opposition to a two-state solution with the Palestinians, stressing the European Union's insistence on a two-state solution. He also added in his statements that "a balanced solution to the problem must be found."

In an interview with the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs during a session on the Israeli-Palestinian issue, in the General Assembly of the European Parliament, the European official said: “The most important thing at the present time is to prevent the death of more people, and to find a political solution to this conflict. Unfortunately, the Israeli Prime Minister He said that he opposes this policy, as it is the guarantee that a Palestinian state will never be established.”

While Borrell explained that the European Union's greatest commitment at the present time and in the future will be the possibility of working or not towards a two-state solution. He added: "This is why we must firmly raise our voice against the expansion of settlements, which contradicts United Nations resolutions. We must try to stop the violence not only in Gaza, but also in the occupied Palestinian territories."

Borrell criticizes Netanyahu

In criticizing the Israeli occupation government for its opposition to the two-state solution, Borrell said: “It is striking to hear over and over again the Israeli Prime Minister’s opposition to this matter. This solution is the only guarantee to stop what is happening now. How can the political solution that the international community wants be opposed?” Doesn't it make sense to support the two-state solution?

Borrell stated that Israel has the right to defend itself, adding that there is a limit to this, just like any other right. He continued: “We have to ask ourselves whether Israel respects international law. This is a question we all need to answer. I will not answer this question because there is no consensus (within the European Union), but I personally believe that this right has limits... killing such a large number of innocent people cannot be justified.”

While Borrell expressed his belief in their right to criticize the actions of the Israeli government without being criticized with anti-Semitism, he continued: “I demand the right to demand the existence of a Palestinian state without claiming to question the existence of the State of Israel.”

Netanyahu's statements

Earlier, Netanyahu confirmed the existence of a disagreement with US President Joe Biden regarding the day following the cessation of the war in Gaza, and the “post-Hamas” phase, stressing his adherence to his position aimed at not allowing the Gaza Strip to be run by either “Hamas” or even by the “Palestinian Authority.” This was in response to Joe Biden’s statements in which he called for the necessity of accepting the two-state solution, a statement that was condemned by the Palestinian Authority, and considered by “Hamas” as confirmation of the occupation’s intentions to target the Palestinian people.

The American President had also indicated, on Monday, December 11, 2023, that there were disagreements with the Netanyahu government, saying: “I have disagreements with some Israeli leaders,” without further details.

In a written statement, Netanyahu said, “I greatly appreciate American support for destroying Hamas and returning our hostages,” and added: “After an extensive dialogue with President Biden and his team, we obtained full support for the ground incursion and repelling international pressure to stop the war.” Netanyahu continued: “Yes, there is disagreement about today.” "What's next for Hamas, and I hope we can reach an agreement on this as well."

The Israeli Prime Minister stressed his previous position, and said in this regard: “I would like to clarify my position: I will not allow Israel to repeat the Oslo mistake.”

He said: “After the great sacrifices made by our civilians and soldiers, I will not allow those who teach terrorism, support terrorism, and finance terrorism into Gaza,” accusations he had previously made against the Palestinian Authority.

Before adding that “Gaza will neither be Hamastan nor Fatahstan,” referring to the Fatah and Hamas movements.

It is noteworthy that since last October 7, the Israeli army has been waging a devastating war on Gaza that, as of Tuesday evening, left 18,412 dead and 50,100 wounded, most of them children and women, massive destruction of infrastructure and an “unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe,” according to sources. Palestinian official.