Israel’s political landscape reached a critical moment on November 17, 2025, as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed his opposition to a Palestinian state following intense pressure from far-right coalition partners. The dispute erupted after a US-backed UN draft resolution hinted at a pathway to Palestinian independence.
Coalition Rift Over Statehood Pathway
On November 7, the UN Security Council began negotiations on a resolution endorsing President Donald Trump’s 20-point Gaza peace plan. The proposal calls for a transitional “Board of Peace” administration in Gaza to oversee reconstruction and economic recovery. A key clause suggests that, with reforms in the Palestinian Authority, “the conditions may finally be in place for a credible pathway to Palestinian self-determination and statehood.”
Far-right ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich rallied their allies in protest, demanding that Netanyahu publicly denounce any move toward statehood. Ben-Gvir even threatened to exit the coalition if his demands were ignored, putting the government’s survival at risk long before the next election due by October 2026.
Netanyahu’s Defiant Response
Netanyahu issued a forceful statement: “Our opposition to a Palestinian state in any territory has not changed. Gaza will be demilitarized and Hamas will be disarmed, the easy way or the hard way. I do not need affirmations, tweets or lectures from anyone.” Defense Minister Israel Katz and Foreign Minister Gideon Saar echoed his stance on social media, reinforcing unity on the core policy despite the internal dispute.
Global and Regional Stakes
The standoff highlights the delicate balance between Israel’s conservative and ultra-nationalist factions. It also underscores wider regional and international dynamics: Muslim-majority nations and major Western powers have recently voiced growing support for Palestinian aspirations. The outcome will shape Gaza’s reconstruction, investor confidence in the region, and the broader Middle East peace process.
What’s Next?
As UN deliberations continue and global momentum for Palestinian statehood gains traction, Netanyahu must navigate competing demands at home and abroad. Will his coalition hold together under far-right pressure, or will this crisis trigger early elections? The answer will have lasting implications for Israeli-Palestinian relations and the future of regional diplomacy.
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Netanyahu faces far-right backlash over U.S.-backed Palestinian plan
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