JERUSALEM,July 24: Israeli Premier Benjamin Netanyahu today rejected the idea of an independent Palestinian state in the West Bank and Gaza Strip and voiced his support for legislative measures designed to prevent a return of the Golan Heights to Syria.Netanyahu's comments came as controversy continued in Israel over a vote on the Golan in Parliament yesterday. Backed by Netanyahu and other government ministers, the Legislature passed the first reading of a bill conditioning territorial concessions in the Golan on the support of an absolute majority in a referendum and the backing of 80 of the Knesset's 120 members.Netanyahu led the support for the bill despite an official government policy opposing such legislation. . Syria demands the full return of the strategic plateau as a condition for peace while Netanyahu rejects territorial concessions.Netanyahu's support for a special Golan Law put him at odds with Foreign Minister David Levy, who according to Israel Radio conveyed a message to Syria overnight, playing down the significance of the legislation.Netanyahu reacted angrily to this today, saying, ``The Foreign Minister does not conduct private foreign policy.''Netanyahu also dismissed a report in the Ma'Ariv daily whereby position papers had been prepared by his aides, advocating an independent Palestinian entity in the West Bank with a capital inside the municipal borders of Jerusalem.``There is no chance that Israel will agree to the establishment of a Palestinian state because an Arab state means an Arab army in the heart of the land of Israel and a threat to our existence. I oppose a Palestinian state. I am unwilling to accept any foreign sovereignty in Jerusalem.''`'If someone is raising all kinds of theoretical options,this does not oblige or interest me,'' he said. Netanyahu also denied reports that Israel was willing to freeze settlement building temporarily in order to allow the resumption of peace talks with the Palestinians.
