The motion “to oppose the establishment of a Palestinian state”, submitted by the New Hope Party and the United Right Party, led by former Israeli Justice Minister Gideon Saar, was approved in the parliament by 9 votes to 68. The motion claimed that a Palestinian state could pose a threat to the state of Israel and its citizens.
Spain, Norway and Ireland had decided to officially recognize Palestine on May 28; Slovenia on June 4; and Armenia on June 21. In light of these developments, the opposition to the establishment of a Palestinian state through the proposal passed in Israel could ignite new debates in international relations.