The Israeli parliament, the Knesset, overwhelmingly rejected the establishment of a Palestinian state with a resolution passed by 68 votes in favor and only nine against it. The resolution, co-sponsored by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition with far-right parties, cited concerns about the existential danger a Palestinian state would pose to Israel and the region. Opposition leader Yair Lapid’s party abstained from the vote.
Mustafa Barghouti, of the Palestinian National Initiative, criticized the resolution, calling it a rejection of peace and declaring the death of the Oslo agreement. The Oslo Accords had originally aimed for a two-state solution, but Israel’s continued actions, such as building illegal settlements and blockading Gaza, have undermined this goal.
The resolution’s approval has drawn condemnation from Palestinian officials, with the Palestinian Authority denouncing it as racist and a violation of international law. Jordan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also called it a dangerous violation of international law.
The Knesset’s decision comes as tensions escalate in the region, with Hamas-led attacks triggering conflict in southern Israel. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has criticized Israel’s policy in the occupied West Bank as detrimental to a two-state solution, calling for an immediate cessation of settlement activities.
Despite growing international recognition of Palestinian statehood, Israel’s rejection of a Palestinian state remains firm. Netanyahu’s upcoming address to the US Congress has further divided opinions on Israel’s actions, with Democratic lawmakers speaking out against Israel’s conduct in the conflict.
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