‘Need to fight false propaganda’: Netanyahu vows to oppose UN recognition of Palestinian state, warns it could threaten Israel’s survival

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledged on Sunday to fight off global efforts to recognize a Palestinian state, warning that recognition would imperil the existence of Israel.

Netanyahu spoke as a number of countries, including France, the UK, Canada, Australia, and Belgium, readied themselves to officially declare recognition of Palestinian statehood at the United Nations early next week.

"We will also need to fight, both at the UN and in all other arenas, against the false propaganda directed at us and against calls for a Palestinian state, which would endanger our existence and serve as absurd reward for terrorism," Netanyahu told his cabinet. "The international community will hear from us on this matter in the coming days."

The Israeli leader also referred to the recent military actions by his country in Lebanon, adding that successes against the Hezbollah militant group had brought new opportunities for peace with Israel's northern neighbors. "Our victories in Lebanon against Hezbollah have opened a window for a possibility that was not even imagined before our recent operations and actions: the possibility of peace with our northern neighbours," he said.

"We are conducting talks with the Syrians -- there is some progress, but it is still a long way off."

Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes in Gaza killed at least 34 people overnight, including children, according to Gaza health officials. The attacks occurred amid Israel’s ongoing offensive in Gaza and just ahead of anticipated discussions at the UN General Assembly, where Palestinian statehood recognition is expected to be debated.

In a major diplomatic move, French President Emmanuel Macron said that France plans to recognize the existence of a Palestinian state. Macron's announcement, first made during the summer, will be followed by similar statements by nine other nations, including Australia, Belgium, Canada, and the UK, says the Elysee.

In the UK, Prime Minister Keir Starmer will officially declare recognition of Palestinian statehood, his deputy David Lammy announcing that Starmer "will set out the position later on today." Portugal is also set to make an official statement on Sunday, the nation's foreign ministry confirmed.