FM: John Whitbeck

In the wake of its recent vote declaring UNRWA to be a "terrorist organization" and in anticipation of tomorrow's International Court of Justice opinion on the illegality of Israel's occupation of the State of Palestine, the Knesset has, as reported below, voted today (with only Arab members dissenting) to manifest its contempt for the proclaimed wishes of virtually all the world's other governments, including even those of the 48 (out of 193) states which have not yet extended formal diplomatic recognition to the State of Palestine.

A list of the 48 states which have not yet recognized the State of Palestine is attached.

One may hope that today's Knesset vote might inspire some of them to align themselves, however belatedly, with the overwhelming majority of mankind.

https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2024-07-18/ty-article/knesset-passes-resolution-against-establishment-of-palestinian-state/00000190-c2c6-d13a-ad92-caffa4b90000

With Gantz's Backing, Israel's Parliament Passes Resolution Opposing Palestinian Statehood

The declaration states that 'a Palestinian state would pose an existential threat to the State of Israel and its citizens.' It received support from 68 Knesset members, with opposition from only 9 lawmakers, all from Arab parties.

Noa Shpigel

July 18, 2024

Israel's parliament voted on Thursday to affirm its opposition to the establishment of a Palestinian state. The declarative proposal garnered support from 68 Knesset members, including those from Benny Gantz's centrist National Unity Party. Nine Knesset members from Arab parties opposed the proposal, and members of the Labor Party abstained from voting.

The resolution, put forward by the right-wing opposition party New Hope-United Right faction, states that "the establishment of a Palestinian state in the heart of the Land of Israel would constitute an existential threat to the State of Israel and its citizens, perpetuate the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and destabilize the region."

Party chairman Gideon Sa'ar added that, "the resolution decision is intended to express the blanket opposition that exists among the [Israeli] people to the establishment of a Palestinian state, which would endanger Israel's security and future. [The resolution] signals to the international community that pressure to impose a Palestinian state on Israel is futile."

Gantz's National Unity Party issued a statement following the vote, saying that "the party voted in favor of the motion expressing opposition to a Palestinian state," describing such recognition as "a reward for terror and Hamas," following the October 7 massacre.

The party added, "The National Unity Party is committed, in any future political scenario, to preserving Israel's Jewish and democratic identity and upholding its historical rights and security interests."

Far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich of the Religious Zionism party wrote on X: "With a decisive majority of 68 to 9, the Knesset voted against the establishment of an Arab terror state in Israel, not now, not in the future, not unilaterally, and not within an agreement."

"The awakening of the overwhelming majority in Israeli society is amazing. Now is the time for sovereignty," the far-right minister said, referring to West Bank annexation.

Peace Now, a two-state advocate NGO, called the vote "populist, harmful, and damaging to the chances of a regional agreement and ending the war.

The organization stated, "A Palestinian state is in Israel's interest. The two-state solution is the only guarantee for Israeli security and democracy, and it is the real victory over Hamas and Iran. It is sad that the National Unity Party refrained from presenting a worthy vision for Israel's future and being a true political alternative, instead surrendering to dangerous messianic right-wing ideology."

[Salon] With Gantz's Backing, Israel's Parliament Passes Resolution Opposing Palestinian Statehood

With Gantz's Backing, Israel's Parliament Passes Resolution Opposing Palestinian Statehood