Netanyahu rejects Palestinian state in postwar scenario, prompting criticism from the US

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday that he would not scale back Israel’s military offensive in the Gaza Strip, rejecting calls from the United States to do so.

He also said he opposed the establishment of a Palestinian state after the end of the Israel-Hamas war.

In a nationally televised news conference, Netanyahu repeatedly said that Israel would not halt its offensive until it destroyed Hamas and ended the terror group’s rule in Gaza. He also said bringing home the roughly 130 remaining hostages was paramount.

During his remarks, Netanyahu rejected his critics who claim these goals are not achievable, saying the war could continue for several more months and that Israel "will not settle for anything short of an absolute victory."

Netanyahu’s comments come just a day after U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Israel would never have "genuine security" without a pathway toward Palestinian independence.

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Earlier this week, the White House urged Israel to scale down its military ground operation, saying that it was the "right time" to lower the intensity of the war. Other countries have urged a cease-fire or an end to physical fighting in lieu of diplomatic debates.

Netanyahu’s comments drew criticism from the White House,