Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on September 21st, 2025, that Israel will not allow a Palestinian state west of the Jordan River, calling it an "award to terrorism." This declaration came as French President Emmanuel Macron addressed the situation in Gaza. Netanyahu's firm stance, reiterated in a message directed at leaders recognizing a Palestinian state following the October 7th attacks, underscores Israel's continued opposition to Palestinian statehood. The Prime Minister's comments were shared via Telegram and a social media post. Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron addressed the situation in Gaza, stating, "You call me on the situation in Gaza: I answer you." Macron's statement was posted on X. Previous reports from September 21st, 2025, indicated that the United Kingdom and Canada had formally recognized the State of Palestine, with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer stating the move was intended to revive hope for a two-state solution. Starmer also announced expanded UK sanctions targeting Hamas members. In response, Israel was reportedly considering retaliatory measures, including the possibility of applying sovereignty to parts of the West Bank. The conflict also saw the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) expand its ground operation in Gaza City, dubbed "Gideon's Chariots B," with the deployment of a third division. French President Macron and the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia were scheduled to co-chair a conference in New York on Monday to mobilize international efforts toward peace, building on the "New York Declaration on the two-state solution." The Allenby Bridge crossing to Jordan remained closed for passenger traffic following a deadly attack, and Egypt announced border security measures in the Sinai Peninsula.
