The prime minister told the cabinet that the move comes amid international attempts of 'unilaterally imposing a Palestinian state on Israel.' The resolution determines that any permanent arrangement 'will only be achieved through direct negotiations with no pre-conditions'.
Israel's government unanimously approved on Sunday a decision to oppose unilateral international recognition of a Palestinian state.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said at the start of Sunday's cabinet meeting that the proposal comes "in light of recent discussions in the international community about attempts to unilaterally impose a Palestinian state on Israel."
Minister Benny Gantz attended the government meeting for the first time this month.
The proposed wording of the resolution reads: "Israel absolutely rejects international dictates regarding a permanent arrangement with the Palestinians. Such an arrangement will only be achieved through direct negotiations between the parties, without preconditions. Israel will continue to oppose the unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state. Such recognition, following the massacre of October 7, will give a huge reward to terrorism, a reward like no other, and will prevent any future peace agreement."
Netanyahu reiterated similar statements during a press conference on Saturday night and following a security cabinet meeting on Thursday.
Opposition leader Yair Lapid said that Netanyahu approached him to garner support for the government's decision. He asserted that the vote is "a transparent attempt to divert attention from the issue of returning the hostages and the 'draft-dodging law.'"
Lapid added that his centrist Yesh Atid party has "for year been opposed to any unilateral step."
Gantz, meanwhile, addressed the issue at the annual meeting in Jerusalem of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, saying that "unilateral actions such as recognizing a Palestinian state are not the path to regional stability and diplomatic arrangements."
According to an Israeli diplomatic source last week, the Biden administration intends to present a diplomatic initiative in the coming weeks to advance the two-state vision.
As reported by The Washington Post on the same day, the initiative involves the participation of the U.S. and several Arab states, aiming to present a long-term plan for peace between Israel and the Palestinians, including setting a timeframe for the establishment of a Palestinian state.
The reported initiative is linked to efforts to bring about a cease-fire in Gaza and negotiate the release of hostages. Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Palestinian representatives are involved in the initiative.
Hours after the publication of the report, far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich demanded Netanyahu to declare his opposition to the U.S. initiative.
Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammed Ishtayeh stated on Sunday that the reported U.S. initiative lacks significance in light of the fact that the Israeli government is not a viable partner for diplomatic dialogue. According to him, similar statements have been made for thirty years, but what is required are actions on the ground.
According to Haaretz, the Palestinian leadership is conveying messages to the U.S. and European countries about the need to take operational steps to demonstrate the seriousness of promoting a two-state solution.