Israel’s parliament has given overwhelming approval to a declaration expressing opposition to international efforts to unilaterally recognize a Palestinian state. Wednesday’s vote, approved by 99 of 120 lawmakers, is not binding but reflects the widespread sentiment in Israel as it battles Hamas militants in Gaza for a fifth month. Only nine lawmakers voted against the measure.
Quick Read
- Israel’s parliament has overwhelmingly opposed international efforts to unilaterally recognize a Palestinian state, with a declaration passed by 99 out of 120 lawmakers amid ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza.
- The declaration asserts that any settlement with the Palestinians should come solely through direct negotiations between the parties, without preconditions, rejecting international mandates on the matter.
- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Cabinet endorsed the declaration, reflecting his government’s stance against unilateral Palestinian statehood, especially in light of recent discussions on a potential U.S.-Arab roadmap for Palestinian state establishment.
- The U.S. administration has indicated that Palestinian statehood is crucial for the normalization of relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia, amidst broad international support for an independent Palestinian state as part of a peace agreement.
- Netanyahu’s government, known for its hardline members, stands firmly against the idea of Palestinian independence.
The Associated Press has the story:
Israeli lawmakers oppose unilateral recognition of Palestinian state
Newslooks- TEL AVIV, Israel – (AP)
Israel’s parliament has given overwhelming approval to a declaration expressing opposition to international efforts to unilaterally recognize a Palestinian state.
Wednesday’s vote, approved by 99 of 120 lawmakers, is not binding but reflects the widespread sentiment in Israel as it battles Hamas militants in Gaza for a fifth month. Only nine lawmakers voted against the measure.
“Israel outright rejects international edicts regarding a permanent settlement with the Palestinians. The settlement, to the extent that it is reached, will be solely through direct negotiations between the parties, without preconditions,” it says.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Cabinet adopted the declaration earlier in the week.
Netanyahu went on the offensive after media reports arose last week of a possible roadmap toward establishing a Palestinian state from the U.S. administration and Arab countries. The United States has also said Palestinian statehood is a key element in a broader vision for the normalization of relations between Israel and regional heavyweight Saudi Arabia.
The international community overwhelmingly supports an independent Palestinian state as part of a future peace agreement. Netanyahu’s government is filled with hard-liners who oppose Palestinian independence.
