Ireland says 'Israel cannot veto establishment of a Palestinian State'

LONDON

Ireland said on Friday that "Israel cannot veto (the) establishment of a Palestinian State."

The remarks from Irish Foreign Minister Micheal Martin came following reports that the Israeli parliament, the Knesset, passed by a vote of 68-9 on Thursday, saying 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.”

“Appalled by Knesset resolution opposing Palestinian State even if part of negotiated settlement w/ Israel,” Martin wrote on X.

“Israel cannot veto (the) establishment of a Palestinian State. Only the two-State solution can provide lasting peace for Israel & Palestine Full support to HRVP statement,” he added, referring to a statement from EU High Representative Josep Borrell, in which he said the EU “deplores the resolution.”

The vote in Knesset came as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to fly to Washington on Sunday to meet with US President Joe Biden and address Congress.

In February, the Knesset voted in favor of a government decision to reject unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state.