Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a firm rejection of Palestinian statehood on Sunday (Sept 21), just hours after the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia formally recognized the State of Palestine. Speaking directly to Western governments, Netanyahu denounced the move as “one-sided” and pledged to further expand Jewish settlements in the West Bank. “I have a clear message for those leaders who recognize a Palestinian state after the horrific massacre on October 7: you are granting a huge reward to terror,” Netanyahu declared. “For years, I have prevented the creation of this terror state despite enormous pressure both domestically and internationally,” he said. With the UK, Canada, and Australia joining a growing list of countries that recognize Palestinian statehood, Israel now finds itself at odds with some of its closest allies.