UN chief disappointed by Israeli parliament vote against Palestinian state

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is disappointed by an Israeli parliament vote against the creation of a Palestinian state, his spokesman said Thursday.

“You can’t vote away the two-state solution so the secretary-general is very disappointed by the decision of the Knesset,” said spokesman Stephane Dujarric, calling such an blueprint the only viable path to sustainable peace between Israel and the Palestinians.

The Knesset passed the resolution formally opposing the creation of an independent Palestinian state, citing concerns that it could become a base for terrorist groups.

“The Knesset is adamantly opposed to the establishment of a Palestinian state west of the Jordan river,” stated the resolution, which was adopted in a Jerusalem session early Thursday with support from 68 of its 120 members.