During a late-night session, the Knesset voted against the establishment of a Palestinian state. Benny Gantz supported the decision, while Benjamin Netanyahu was absent from the vote.
Lawmakers approved a statement opposing the creation of a Palestinian state. Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and Shas party leader Aryeh Deri did not participate in the voting.
The proposal was introduced by opposition MK Zeev Elkin and received 68 votes in favor, with 9 against. Those voting against the proposal were members of the Ra’am and Hadash-Ta’al parties.
Members of Yesh Atid and Labor were absent from the vote, as was Gadi Eisenkot from the National Unity Party.
Benny Gantz and Avigdor Lieberman quickly issued statements after the vote, emphasizing their opposition to the two-state solution. Netanyahu’s absence could be attributed to his upcoming trip to the United States.
The statement was adopted after several countries recognized Palestinian statehood in May, joining over 150 countries that have already done so.
