London: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday rejected moves by Britain and other Western nations to recognise a Palestinian state, calling the decision a “prize” to Hamas and insisting that a Palestinian state “will not happen.”

His remarks came after British Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed on Sunday that the UK is formally recognising a Palestinian state despite vociferous opposition from the US and Israel.

Starmer’s announcement followed those from Canada and Australia, in what appears to be a coordinated initiative from the Commonwealth nations.

“It will not happen,” Netanyahu said. “A Palestinian state will not be established west of the Jordan River.”

Netanyahu said he plans to announce Israel’s response following a trip to the United States next week, where he is scheduled to meet President Donald Trump at the White House.

“For years, I have prevented the creation of this terror state despite enormous pressure both domestically and internationally,” he said.

“We have done so with determination and political wisdom. Moreover, we have doubled Jewish settlements in Judea and Samaria, and we will continue on this path,” he added, using the Biblical term for the West Bank.