'We will build a Jewish Israeli state' in West Bank, Netanyahu's defence minister declares - calling it 'a clear message to Emmanuel Macron and his associates'

Daily Mail​

2 days ago

Israel 's Defence Minister Israel Katz has vowed to build a 'Jewish Israeli state' in the occupied West Bank, a day after the government announced the creation of 22 new settlements in the territory.
He called the announcement 'a clear message to Emmanuel Macron and his associates' in a statement made on Friday shortly after the French President said the recognition of a Palestinian state, with conditions, is a 'moral duty.'
It comes just days after Britain, France and Canada threatened Israel with sanctions unless it relents on plans to expand military operations in the Gaza Strip.
The UK government has said it is suspending free trade negotiations with Israel and has introduced new sanctions on settlements in the West Bank in an effort to ramp up its criticism of the ongoing operation in Gaza.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy said the UK's existing trade agreement with Israel remains in effect, but the government can't continue discussions with an administration pursuing what he said were 'egregious' policies in the two territories.
During a visit to the site of the Sa-Nur settlement, Katz said: 'This is a decisive response to the terrorist organisations that are trying to harm and weaken our hold on this land - and it is also a clear message to (French President Emmanuel) Macron and his associates.
'They will recognize a Palestinian state on paper — and we will build the Jewish-Israeli state on the ground.
It comes just days after Britain, France and Canada threatened Israel with sanctions unless it relents on plans to expand military operations in the Gaza Strip. Pictured: Smoke rises to the sky following an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City, Friday, May 30
'The paper will be thrown in the trash can of history and the State of Israel will flourish and prosper,' Katz declares.
'Do not threaten us with sanctions because you will not bring us to our knees. The State of Israel will not bow its head in the face of threats.'
He added: 'We are a people with a long and glorious history. We will stand tall and continue to lead the State of Israel on a safe and strong path, until victory.'
Sa-Nur was evacuated in 2005 alongside Israel's disengagement from the Gaza Strip.
Katz's visit there comes after the Israeli government approved the construction of 22 new settlements in the West Bank yesterday.
Israel has occupied the West Bank since 1967.
During a visit to Singapore on Friday, President Macron asserted that recognition of a Palestinian state, with some conditions, was 'not only a moral duty, but a political necessity'.
The UK government has said it is suspending free trade negotiations with Israel and has introduced new sanctions on settlements in the West Bank in an effort to ramp up its criticism of the ongoing operation in Gaza. Pictured: Smoke rises from Gaza after an explosion on May 30
But Israel accused Macron of undertaking a 'crusade against the Jewish state' after he called for European countries to harden their stance on Israel if the humanitarian situation in Gaza did not improve.
'There is no humanitarian blockade. That is a blatant lie,' Israel's foreign ministry said in a statement, defending its efforts to allow in aid.
'But instead of applying pressure on the jihadist terrorists, Macron wants to reward them with a Palestinian state. No doubt its national day will be October 7.'
An international conference meant to resurrect the idea of a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is set to take place in June at the UN headquarters in New York.
A diplomat in Paris close to preparations for the conference said it should pave the way for more countries to recognise a Palestinian state.
Macron said in April that France could recognise a Palestinian state in June.
Following Israel's announcement of the new settlements on Thursday, Britain called the move a 'deliberate obstacle' to Palestinian statehood, while UN chief Antonio Guterres's spokesman said it pushed efforts towards a two-state solution 'in the wrong direction'.