France expresses 'consternation' over Israeli resolution rejecting establishment of Palestinian state

By Nur Asena Erturk

France on Thursday expressed “consternation” over an Israeli resolution rejecting the establishment of a Palestinian state.

The Knesset (Israel's parliament) voted 68-9 earlier in favor of a resolution that rejects the establishment of a Palestinian state, saying that it would be an "existential threat" to Israel.

“Only the two-state solution can bring a durable and just peace to Israelis and Palestinians, and ensure the stability in the region,” the French Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

The Israeli resolution also goes against the UN resolutions, the ministry added.

France also condemned National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir’s incursion into the Al-Aqsa Mosque complex in occupied East Jerusalem, noting that “these irresponsible actions may pose a risk of destabilizing the region even more.”

The ministry reiterated the urgency of “implementing the solution of two states living side by side in peace and security.”

The statement added that this solution implies the creation of a “sovereign Palestinian state.”

“France reminds the necessity of maintaining the historical status quo in the holy places in Jerusalem, and highlights the importance of Jordan’s particular role in this context,” the statement read.

Far-right Minister Ben-Gvir forced his way into the flashpoint site early Thursday, surrounded by a large number of Israeli troops.

Jordan termed Ben-Gvir’s incursion into the site as “provocative.”

Al-Aqsa Mosque is the world's third-holiest site for Muslims. Jews refer to the area as the Temple Mount, claiming it was the site of two Jewish temples in ancient times.

During the 1967 Arab-Israeli War, Israel occupied East Jerusalem, which includes Al Aqsa mosque. It annexed the entire city in 1980, which was never recognized by the international community.