Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu blasted the three countries for proffering a “prize” to Hamas.
“It will not happen,” he said.
“A Palestinian state will not be established west of the Jordan River.”
Netanyahu, who is set to give a speech to the General Assembly on Friday before heading to see US President Donald Trump at the White House, said he would announce Israel’s response after the trip.
Netanyahu has threatened to take unilateral steps, including the possibility of annexing parts of the West Bank, in response to world leaders’ recognition of a Palestinian state. Such a move would clear the way for Israel to deepen its control over the territory -- and escalate tensions with the international community.
Hamas hailed the decision, calling it a “rightful outcome of our people’s struggle, steadfastness, and sacrifices on the path to liberation and return.” The Islamic militant group, which is sworn to Israel’s destruction, called on the world to isolate Israel.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, whose Palestinian Authority exercises limited autonomy in towns and cities in the West Bank, said the UK announcement is an important step towards achieving a “just and lasting peace in the region based on the two-state solution,” the official Palestinian news agency Wafa said.
