Israeli parliament votes against creation of Palestinian state

 The Israeli parliament has passed a resolution that calls for the rejection of Palestinian statehood.

Those voting in favour included the parties of the right-wing religious coalition led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as well as the opposition party of Benny Gantz.

Until nearly six weeks ago, Gantz was a member of the now-dissolved war Cabinet, along with other moderate politicians.

The polls suggested that the opposition party could become the strongest party and secure the most seats in parliament in the event of new elections.

“The establishment of a Palestinian state in the heart of the Land of Israel would pose an existential danger to the State of Israel and its citizens.

“It would perpetuate the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and destabilise the region,” the resolution stated.

“It will only be a matter of a short time until Hamas takes over the Palestinian state and turns it into a radical Islamic terror base.

“It would also operate in coordination with the Iranian-led axis to eliminate the State of Israel.”

Sixty-eight of the 120 lawmakers voted for the resolution, with nine members of Arab parties voting against it.

The rest were either absent or abstained, according to information provided by the Knesset.

Reports said that the liberal Yesh Atid (There Is a Future) party of opposition leader Yair Lapid did not vote.

Lapid is considered a supporter of a two-state solution, which means that an independent, democratic and peaceful Palestinian state would exist alongside Israel.

Netanyahu himself was reportedly not present during the vote, according to the Jerusalem Post.