TEL AVIV, Israel — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed his stance against the establishment of a Palestinian state on Sunday, just one day before the U.N. Security Council is set to vote on a U.S.-drafted resolution that could pave the way for Palestinian independence. Netanyahu has consistently opposed Palestinian statehood, arguing that it would empower Hamas and potentially lead to a larger Hamas-controlled territory adjacent to Israel.

As the U.S. seeks to advance its proposal for a ceasefire in Gaza, Netanyahu faces significant international pressure to demonstrate flexibility regarding Palestinian independence. The Security Council is expected to vote on a U.S. proposal for a U.N. mandate for an international stabilization force in Gaza, despite opposition from Russia, China, and several Arab nations. In response to the pressure from countries likely to contribute troops, the U.S. has revised its resolution to include stronger language supporting Palestinian self-determination, suggesting that President Donald Trump’s plan could create a “credible pathway” to statehood. A competing proposal from Russia advocates even more robust support for Palestinian statehood.

Netanyahu's hardline coalition partners have urged him to maintain a firm stance against Palestinian independence. During a Cabinet meeting, he stated that Israel's opposition to a Palestinian state has “not changed one bit.” He emphasized that he has resisted advances toward Palestinian statehood for decades and is not swayed by external or internal pressures. “I do not need affirmations, tweets, or lectures from anyone,” he declared.

In addition to his comments on Palestinian statehood, Netanyahu addressed the recent increase in violence by Jewish settlers in the occupied West Bank. He characterized the violence as the actions of a small minority. However, Palestinians and human rights organizations argue that the violence is widespread and that the Israeli government has largely ignored it.

Palestinian health officials reported that a 19-year-old man was killed by Israeli military fire on Sunday, marking the seventh fatality in the West Bank over the past two weeks due to Israeli actions. This surge in violence coincides with a rise in attacks by settlers. The Israeli military stated that the man was shot after throwing an explosive device at soldiers during an operation in Nablus.

The Palestinian Health Ministry also reported that six teenagers, aged 15 to 17, were killed by Israeli fire in four separate incidents in recent weeks. While Netanyahu described settler violence as the work of a few extremists, Palestinians and rights groups contend that such violence is often carried out with impunity, supported by Israel's far-right government.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed concern last week that the escalating violence in the West Bank could undermine efforts in Gaza. The U.N. Human Rights Commissioner’s spokesperson, Thameen Al-Kheetan, noted that the U.N. recorded over 260 attacks by Israeli settlers against Palestinians and their property in October, the highest monthly total since 2006.