Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu challenges President Biden’s stance on the establishment of a Palestinian state in Israel-Gaza conflict.

His remarks surfaced following a conversation with US President Joe Biden, during which the possibility of Mr. Netanyahu accepting the idea of a two-state solution was mentioned. This development seemed to widen the rift between the US and Israel, as the US emphasizes the significance of a “two-state solution” for long-term stability, while acknowledging differing perspectives between the two governments.

After their first call in almost a month, President Biden asserted that a two-state solution was still achievable with Mr. Netanyahu in power, highlighting various models of such solutions. However, Mr. Netanyahu, maintaining a stance held throughout his political career, reiterated his position in a statement, emphasizing Israel’s need for security control over Gaza after dismantling Hamas, conflicting with the call for Palestinian sovereignty.

In a post on social media, Mr. Netanyahu also insisted on Israel retaining “security control over the entire area west of [River] Jordan,” encompassing the Israeli-occupied West Bank. These statements cast doubt on the prospects of diplomatic negotiations and reviving the dormant peace process, dimming hopes raised by the Gaza crisis.

While facing growing international isolation, Mr. Netanyahu retains domestic support for the ongoing war, coupled with protests over the fate of hostages held in Gaza by Hamas. Demonstrators in Tel Aviv urged the Prime Minister to secure a truce and bring the hostages home. The military operations in southern Gaza persist as Israeli forces search for top Hamas officials, encountering significant resistance despite their superior strength.

As of Sunday, the Hamas-run health ministry reported casualties in Gaza, with 25,105 people killed and over 60,000 injured since the conflict erupted on October 7.