Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu left no room for ambiguity on Sunday: “There will be no Palestinian state west of the Jordan River.” His statement came after several countries rushed to recognize a Palestinian state despite the ongoing war, the October 7 massacre, and the total absence of any functioning government or borders. In other words, rewarding terror with a participation trophy.

Netanyahu blasted these governments for what he called “an enormous prize” to those who slaughtered innocents. His message was blunt: “It’s not going to happen.” He reminded the world that for years he has resisted both domestic and international pressure to create what he calls a “terror state in the heart of our land.” Instead, his government has doubled Jewish settlement in Judea and Samaria—and plans to keep going.

He also hinted that more action will follow: “The response to the latest attempt to force upon us a terror state in the heart of our land will be given after my return from the United States.” Netanyahu is scheduled to meet with President Trump at the White House on September 29, just after the Jewish New Year.

His words also carried a historical reminder. By specifying “west of the Jordan River,” Netanyahu alluded to what some Israelis consider the true Palestinian homeland—east of the river, in modern-day Jordan. Originally part of the British Mandate of Palestine before 1922, Jordan has long been cited by many as the real “Palestinian state.”

Meanwhile, the families of Israeli hostages still held by Hamas condemned these recognition moves, asking how the world could legitimize a so-called Palestinian state while 48 Israelis remain missing or in captivity, including 20 still alive.

Bottom line? While Western leaders virtue-signal, Netanyahu is crystal clear: Israel will not commit national suicide by approving a terror state next door. Not now. Not ever.