Israeli parliament rejects unilateral recognition of Palestinian state

(Patria) - The Israeli parliament yesterday overwhelmingly supported a proposal by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu opposing any unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state.

The vote came several days after The Washington Post reported that the administration of US President Joe Biden and a group of Arab countries are working on a comprehensive plan for long-term peace between Israel and the Palestinians.

That plan includes a firm timeline for establishing a Palestinian state, according to the report, as reported by Radio Free Europe.

The Israeli parliament yesterday supported Netanyahu's proposal with 99 votes "in favor" out of 120 lawmakers.

"This significant vote underscores our collective resolve," Netanyahu wrote on social media platform X, emphasizing that the vote was a "strong message" to the international community.

In a historic decision, the Knesset united overwhelmingly in support of my proposal, with 99 of 120 members voting against the unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state.

This landmark vote underscores our collective resolve: We will not reward terrorism by unilateral…

— Benjamin Netanyahu - בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) February 21, 2024

The proposal passed in parliament states that a solution must be reached "exclusively through direct negotiations between the parties and without any preconditions."

The text emphasizes that unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state "after the October 7 massacre would bring an enormous, unprecedented reward for terrorism and prevent any future peace agreement."

The Washington Post reported that the plan would begin with a ceasefire "expected to last at least six weeks," and officials hope an agreement could be reached before the start of Ramadan on March 10.

The agreement would include a pause in fighting, the release of hostages held by Hamas, which the US and EU consider a terrorist organization, in Gaza since the October 7 attack, and a timeline for establishing a Palestinian state.