NAZARETH, (PIC)
Israel’s Knesset voted overwhelmingly in favor of a resolution rejecting the establishment of a Palestinian state on Wednesday.
The resolution garnered support from 68 Knesset members, including those from Benny Gantz’s National Unity Party. Nine Knesset members from Arab parties opposed the proposal, and members of the Labor Party abstained from voting.
The resolution states that the establishment of a Palestinian state in the heart of Israel would constitute an existential threat to it and its citizens, perpetuate the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and destabilize the region.
The resolution described the establishment of a Palestinian state following the events of October 7, 2023 as a reward for terrorism.
The motion was passed just days before Israeli premier Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to the US to address a joint session of the Congress and meet with president Joe Biden at the White House.
Last May, the UN General Assembly adopted – with a majority of 143 votes in favor, 9 against and 25 abstentions – a resolution supporting Palestine’s application for full UN membership, and recommending that the Security Council reconsider the application.
The resolution also identified ways to implement additional rights and privileges related to Palestine’s participation in the UN, and affirmed the General Assembly’s conviction that the State of Palestine is fully qualified for membership in the international organization in accordance with its Charter, and indicates widespread support from member states for accepting Palestine as a member.
