Israel’s parliament passes resolution opposing Palestinian statehood
Occupied Jerusalem (QNN)- Israel’s parliament passed a resolution on Thursday that opposes the establishment of a Palestinian state, days before Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to the United States.
The bill, which was co-sponsored by Netanyahu’s coalition along with right-wing parties in the opposition, garnered support from 68 Knesset members, including those from Benny Gantz’s National Unity Party, according to Israeli newspaper Haaretz.
The resolution completely rejects Palestinian statehood, even as part of a negotiated settlement with Israel.
The resolution states that “the establishment of a Palestinian state in the heart of the Land of Israel would constitute an existential threat to the State of Israel and its citizens, perpetuate the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and destabilize the region.”
Party chairman Gideon Sa’ar added that, “the resolution decision is intended to express the blanket opposition that exists among the [Israeli] people to the establishment of a Palestinian state, which would endanger Israel’s security and future. [The resolution] signals to the international community that pressure to impose a Palestinian state on Israel is futile.”
Gantz’s National Unity Party issued a statement following the vote, saying that “the party voted in favor of the motion expressing opposition to a Palestinian state,” describing such recognition as “a reward for terror and Hamas.”
Far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich of the Religious Zionism party wrote on X: “With a decisive majority of 68 to 9, the Knesset voted against the establishment of an Arab terror state in Israel, not now, not in the future, not unilaterally, and not within an agreement.”
“The awakening of the overwhelming majority in Israeli society is amazing. Now is the time for sovereignty,” the far-right minister said, referring to West Bank annexation.
Israel’s parliament had already approved a Netanyahu-sponsored bill which rejected Palestinian statehood back in February, but this bill was more of a reaction to reports of countries recognising Palestine.
The new bill comes as Netanyahu is set to speak in front of Congress next week and meet US President Joe Biden who has repeatedly stated his country’s support for a two-state solution.
