UN reacts to Israeli parliament: Two-state solution cannot be voted away
WASHINGTON (AA/AFP) – The UN said Thursday that a two-state solution cannot be voted away in response to a resolution passed by the Israeli parliament that rejects the establishment of a Palestinian state.
Spokesman Stephane Dujarric said UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is disappointed by the Israeli parliament’s (Knesset) decision to pass the measure. “It’s clear you can’t vote away the two-state solution,” Dujarric told reporters.
“. . . the motion passed is, for us, clearly inconsistent with the UN resolutions, international law and prior agreements . . . ,” he added.
The resolution which passed in the Knesset by a vote of 68-9 says 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, perpetuate the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and destabilize the region.”
The vote came as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to go to Washington on Sunday to meet US President Joe Biden and address Congress.
Guterres had said on Wednesday Israel’s policy toward the West Bank is dooming any prospect of a two-state solution with the Palestinians.
Violence and arrests have soared in the Israeli-occupied territory since October last year when Israel launched its latest war on Gaza.
Through administrative and legal steps, Israel is changing the geography of the West Bank, Guterres said in a statement read by his chief of staff, Courtenay Rattray, during a meeting of the Security Council.
Settlement expansion is expected to speed up due to big land seizures in strategic areas and changes to planning, land management and governance, Guterres added.
“Recent developments are driving a stake through the heart of any prospect for a two-state solution,” said the UN chief.
He said Israel is taking steps to extend sovereignty over the West Bank.
– ‘Settlement activity must cease’ –
Guterres said Israel has taken punitive steps against the Palestinian Authority and legalized five Israeli outposts in the West Bank.
Israel has built such outposts as part of its occupation of the West Bank since 1967.
“We must change course. All settlement activity must cease immediately,” Guterres said.
He said Israeli settlements are a flagrant violation of international law and an obstacle to peace with the Palestinians.
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