Israel Matzav

Knesset rejects 'two-state' bill

The Knesset on Wednesday turned down a bill that would have prevented the government from unilaterally annexing land outside the context of 'negotiations' with the 'Palestinians.'

The bill, proposed by MK Hilik Bar (Labor) would have only allowed land in the West Bank or Gaza to be annexed as part of a peace treaty leading to two states.

"You are reaching a moment of truth, in which you have to look in the mirror of history and realize that we need to separate from the Palestinians," opposition leader Isaac Herzog (Labor) said to the coalition. "If you don't take this opportunity now, history will judge you, because we will become an isolated, binational state."

Herzog called for coalition MKs to "overcome narrow political interests and don't make promises you know you can't keep."

"If you don't face the historic challenge, we will replace you and do it ourselves," he added.

Despite Herzog's warnings, the bill was voted down with 44 opposed, including MKs from Hatnua and Yesh Atid, and 25 in favor.

...

Deputy Minister for Liaison with the Knesset Ofir Akunis responded to Bar's proposal, saying that the government is in the middle of negotiations and will bring whatever agreement it reaches to the Knesset for approval.

However, Akunis added, the legislature cannot decide the guidelines for talks with the PLO.

"Why do you have such passion to give away parts of our homeland?" Akunis asked Bar.

Good question.

Labels: annexation, Israeli Knesset, Labor party, two-state solution

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 9:29 PM