EU High Representative Josep Borrell regretted the Israeli Knesset’s vote earlier in the day, rejecting by 68 votes to 9 the creation of a Palestinian state even within the framework of a negotiated agreement with Israel.
“Unhappily, (...) the Knesset has voted (...) against the Palestinian state. Well then, if they do not want the two-state solution, what do they want? Which is their solution?”, he asked on the sidelines of the European Political Community meeting in Woodstock (United Kingdom).
According to Mr Borrell, if Israeli MPs reject the two-state solution, “they have to propose another solution”. “Which are their plans for the millions of Palestinians living inside the occupied territories? If they reject the two-state solution that the whole international community is supporting, then which is the alternative solution?”, he insisted.
The High Representative felt that in order to build a lasting peace, it was necessary to offer a “political solution and a political horizon” to the Palestinian people, the rejection of any kind of terrorism and security.
The subject may be raised at the Foreign Affairs Council on Monday 22 July. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)