Jerusalem: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused European leaders of demonstrating weakness in their approach to Islamist terrorism, contrasting it with the stance of US President Donald Trump. Netanyahu, during an interview with Euronews, criticized certain European countries for recognizing Palestinian statehood, which he described as a capitulation to terrorism.
According to Ghana News Agency, Netanyahu expressed his disapproval of recent recognitions of a Palestinian state by various Western countries, arguing that such moves undermine efforts to address terrorism. He highlighted that countries like Britain and France justified these recognitions as a means to support a two-state solution aimed at achieving peaceful coexistence between Israel and a prospective Palestinian state.
Netanyahu reiterated his opinion that recognizing Palestinian statehood effectively rewards Hamas, especially in light of the October 7, 2023, attacks in southern Israel, which he described as the most significant massacre of Jews since the Holocaust. He argued that this recognition reflects Europe's irrelevance and perceived weakness in the face of terrorism.
He further cautioned Europe against underestimating the threat of Islamist terrorism, warning that it could turn against them after targeting Israel. Netanyahu praised Trump's peace plan, which he believes adopts a firmer stance against terrorist threats.
European leaders, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, have shown support for Trump's proposed 20-point plan to resolve the ongoing conflict. Meanwhile, indirect talks are set to take place in Egypt between Israel and Hamas, focusing on negotiating a ceasefire and the exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners.
