Israel should establish Palestinian state, MK Gilad Kariv says, accuses PM of 'building up' Hamas

Member of Knesset Gilad Kariv, who recently placed third in The Democrats Party primaries, has called for Israel to ultimately divide the land and establish a demilitarized Palestinian state. Speaking on the 103FM radio program "Five in the Evening," Kariv outlined his party's diplomatic vision, emphasizing that a demilitarized Palestinian state should be part of a broader regional agreement. He sharply criticized the current government's policy toward Hamas, accusing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of "doing business" with the group and strengthening it through unilateral steps.

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Netanyahu did business with Hamas and built it up. It was the Israeli Right that built the Hamas state, as a result of unilateral steps.

Kariv articulated that his party supports separation and the establishment of a Palestinian state, stating, "At the end of the diplomatic process, and that will take time, the land will be divided between the two peoples, and alongside the State of Israel there will be a demilitarized Palestinian state within a regional agreement." He stressed the importance of presenting a clear political objective alongside military actions, especially after more than two years of ongoing conflict. Kariv's ultimate goal is to achieve a division of the land to ensure Israel's future as a Jewish and democratic state while ending control over millions of Palestinians.

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At the end of the diplomatic process, and that will take time, the land will be divided between the two peoples, and alongside the State of Israel there will be a demilitarized Palestinian state within a regional agreement.

Addressing concerns about polls indicating broad support for Hamas among Palestinians in the West Bank, Kariv acknowledged these figures but argued they should not be ignored alongside other polls showing a shift in Hamas's conduct and continued support for a diplomatic agreement. He asserted that he pursues a diplomatic agreement cautiously and wisely with relevant Palestinian forces. Kariv also commented on remarks by The Democrats Party chairman Yair Golan, clarifying that Golan's criticism of the settlement movement was directed at illegal outposts and centers of violence, not the settlements themselves.

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During a war that has continued for two and a half years, the moment comes when you say, alongside the military measures, what your diplomatic vision is. I ultimately want to reach a division of the land in order to ensure the future of the State of Israel as Jewish and democratic, and to end control over millions of Palestinians.