Israel’s parliament has passed a resolution overwhelmingly rejecting the establishment of a Palestinian state. The resolution, passed in the Knesset early on June 18, Thursday, received 68 votes in favor and just nine against.
The resolution stated that a Palestinian state would pose “an existential danger to the State of Israel and its citizens, perpetuate the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and destabilize the region.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition, along with far-right parties, co-sponsored the resolution. Opposition leader Yair Lapid’s center-left party abstained from the vote, despite Lapid’s previous support for a two-state solution, according to the Times of Israel.
Mustafa Barghouti, the secretary-general of the Palestinian National Initiative, criticized the resolution, stating on social media platform X, “No Zionist party from both the government and the opposition voted against the resolution. This resolution represents a rejection of peace with Palestinians and an official declaration of the death of the Oslo agreement.”
The Oslo Accords, signed in 1993, aimed for a sovereign Palestinian state alongside Israel.
Palestinian Authority official Hussein al-Sheikh condemned the resolution, highlighting it as confirmation of Israel's "racism" and disregard for international law. Jordan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also condemned the resolution, calling it a “dangerous” violation of international law.
The Times of Israel quoted the resolution as warning that a Palestinian state could quickly fall under Hamas control, turning it into a “radical Islamic terror base” aligned with Iran. The resolution suggested that establishing a Palestinian state now would reward terrorism and encourage further violence, referencing Hamas-led attacks on October 7 in southern Israel.
The resolution is consistent with the Knesset's historical stance against Palestinian statehood. However, it comes at a time when an increasing number of countries, including Spain, Slovenia, Norway, and Ireland, have recognized Palestinian statehood.
Netanyahu is expected to address the United States Congress next week, a visit that has already sparked divisions among Democratic lawmakers critical of Israel’s actions in Gaza.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed concern over Israel’s policies in the West Bank, stating they undermine the prospect of a two-state solution. “Recent developments are driving a stake through the heart of any prospect for a two-state solution,” Guterres said. “All settlement activity must cease immediately.”