Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly declared his opposition to the establishment of a Palestinian state, rejecting a U.S. push for a two-state solution. Speaking at a press conference in Tel Aviv on January 18, Netanyahu emphasized the priority of Israel's security concerns in any future arrangement.

"Those who talk about the day after Netanyahu are actually talking about the establishment of a Palestinian state with the Palestinian Authority, this is actually what they are saying. And I want to tell you, today is not the day after Netanyahu, it is the day after the majority of Israeli citizens," Netanyahu asserted.

The Israeli Prime Minister reaffirmed his consistent stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, emphasizing that the core issue spans three decades. He clarified that, in his view, the conflict is not centered on the absence of a Palestinian state but revolves around securing the existence of a Jewish state.

Netanyahu emphasized a crucial condition for future agreements, insisting that Israel must retain security control over all territory west of the Jordan River, even if it conflicts with the concept of sovereignty. He underscored the necessity of the prime minister's ability to reject proposals when necessary, highlighting a commitment to prioritize Israel's security interests.

The Prime Minister acknowledged the importance of saying no to certain proposals, stating, 

"The prime minister needs to be capable of saying no to our friends - saying no when necessary, and saying yes when possible." This statement reflects Netanyahu's commitment to safeguarding Israel's security interests.

The international community, including the United States, has advocated for a two-state solution as the most viable path to achieving lasting peace in the region. However, Netanyahu's steadfast rejection of the idea poses a significant challenge to ongoing diplomatic efforts.

In response to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan, speaking at the Organization of Turkic States summit in Astana, also proposed a solution based on the principle of "two states for two peoples." He called for an immediate ceasefire, urging both parties to seek compromises for humanitarian reasons.

President Mirziyoyev expressed serious concern about the humanitarian impact of the conflict on vulnerable groups and called for a fair solution to the long-standing problem. 

Background on the Israel-Palestinian Conflict

The Israel-Palestinian conflict has its roots in the mid-20th century, marked by the creation of the state of Israel in 1948. The conflict involves issues such as a two-state solution, Israeli settlements on occupied land, the status of Jerusalem, agreed borders, and the fate of Palestinian refugees.

The conflict began with the rejection of the UN plan to partition Palestine into Arab and Jewish states in 1947. Subsequent armed conflicts, including the Arab-Israeli War of 1948, resulted in the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians, a historical event known as the "Nakba" or catastrophe.

Key issues in the ongoing conflict include the call for a two-state solution, the status of Jerusalem, Israeli settlements in occupied territories, and the fate of Palestinian refugees.

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