July 18, 2024, Tel Aviv. T
the Israeli Knesset voted 68-9 against establishing a Palestinian state west of the Jordan River. The resolution was sponsored by Knesset Member Zeev Elkin of New Hope. It was supported by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition and some centrist lawmakers.
The motion claims a Palestinian state would be dangerous for Israel. It says such a state would increase the Israel-Palestinian conflict and destabilize the region. It also states that Hamas would take over, leading to more terrorism against Israel.
The Palestinian Authority condemned the vote. Spokesperson Nabil Abu Rudeineh said there can be no peace or security without a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital. The PA accused Israel of pushing the region into chaos and called Israel’s actions in Gaza “terrorism.”
International reactions were mixed. The French Foreign Ministry expressed concern, saying the resolution contradicts U.N. Security Council resolutions. The United States has not commented on the vote.
Prime Minister Netanyahu is planning a visit to the United States. He may face criticism from some Democrats over Israel’s actions in Gaza and its rejection of a two-state solution. The vote may strain relations between Israel and countries supporting a two-state solution and critical of Israel’s military actions in Gaza.