EU, Germany deplore Knesset’s resolution against Palestinian statehood

On Thursday, the Knesset passed a resolution by a vote of 68 to 52 opposing the establishment of a Palestinian state in the West Bank.

European Union flags flap in the wind ahead of an EU summit in Brussels, Thursday, June 27, 2024 (AP)

A statement issued by the European External Action Service (EEAS) on Friday said that Brussels “deplores” the Knesset’s resolution rejecting the establishment of a Palestinian state.

“The European Union deplores the resolution passed by the Knesset on 18 July opposing the establishment of a Palestinian state, even if part of a negotiated settlement with Israel. There is a strong consensus in the international community that the only sustainable solution that will bring peace and security to the Middle East is the two-state solution,” the statement read.

The body further reiterated its alleged “unwavering commitment” to lasting peace in the region in accordance with the UN Security Council resolutions and pledged to continue working with international partners towards this goal.

This comes a day after the Knesset approved a resolution opposing the creation of a Palestinian state. The vote was passed with a majority of 68 out of 120.

Germany also expressed its concern regarding the Knesset’s resolution.

“We are deeply concerned that the Knesset voted overwhelmingly against the establishment of a Palestinian state. This resolution contradicts numerous UN Security Council resolutions. Israel is thus distancing itself from the overwhelming majority of the international community,” German Foreign Ministry spokesman Sebastian Fischer told reporters.

Berlin believes that there is no alternative to the so-called two-state solution that protects the rights of the Palestinians and guarantees “Israel’s” long-term security, Fischer added.

Earlier in February, the Knesset passed a resolution rejecting the establishment of a Palestinian state, however, the motion specifically addressed a unilateral establishment of such a state without “Israel’s” approval.

But this time around, the measure holds more drastic content, as it outright rejects any establishment of a Palestinian state, rejecting Palestinians’ right to statehood.

“The Knesset of Israel firmly opposes the establishment of a Palestinian state west of Jordan. The establishment of a Palestinian state in the heart of the Land of Israel will pose an existential danger to the State of Israel and its citizens, perpetuate the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and destabilize the region,” Thursday’s resolution states.

“Promoting the idea of a Palestinian state at this time will be a reward for terrorism and will only encourage Hamas and its supporters to see this as a victory, thanks to the massacre of October 7, 2023, and a prelude to the takeover of jihadist Islam in the Middle East,” the measure claims.

The vote unequivocally demonstrates the Israeli settler society’s widespread rejection of Palestinian statehood, effectively undermining the United States’ efforts to portray Israelis as the proponents of peace while depicting Palestinian factions as the obstacles.

It also highlights that Benjamin Netanyahu and his far-right allies’ extremist views are not restricted to the coalition government, but also represent political parties considered to lean closer to the political center, especially on issues relating to Palestinians.

Armed with the resolution, Netanyahu will travel to the US on July 24, confidently reiterating the Israeli stance on Palestinian statehood despite recurring Democratic calls for a “two-state solution.”