Israeli Knesset Overwhelmingly Backs Netanyahu’s Rejection of a Palestinian State

Ninety-nine out of 120 lawmakers backed the resolution against the 'unilateral' recognition of Palestinian statehood

by Dave DeCamp February 21, 2024

https://news.antiwar.com/2024/02/21/israeli-knesset-overwhelmingly-backs-netanyahus-rejection-of-a-palestinian-state/

The Israeli Knesset has overwhelmingly backed a resolution put forward by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that rejects a “unilateral” creation of a Palestinian state.

Ninety-nine lawmakers out of 120 in the Knesset voted in favor of the resolution. According to Ynet, Israel’s Labor Party boycotted the vote, and 11 Arab lawmakers voted against it. The majority of the leading opposition parties, National Unity and Yesh Atid, voted in favor.

Netanyahu celebrated the strong support for his legislation. “I commend the Knesset members, including those from the opposition, who today voted overwhelmingly in favor of my proposal that Israel opposes being unilaterally dictated to establish a Palestinian state,” he said.

“I don’t recall many votes, in fact, hardly any, where the Knesset voted with a majority of 99, nearly 100 members out of 120, on any proposal,” Netanyahu added.

The resolution came in response to reports that say the US is working with some of its Arab partners on an outline for a future peace deal that would include a “firm timeline” toward a Palestinian state.

The Knesset vote happened after the Israeli cabinet unanimously approved a similar declaration that rejected “international diktats” on a Palestinian state.

Netanyahu has been boasting of his efforts over the years to prevent a Palestinian state. “Everyone knows that I am the one who for decades blocked the establishment of a Palestinian state that would endanger our existence,” he said on Monday.