Kaine Statement on Knesset Vote Rejecting Establishment of Palestinian State

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement regarding the recent vote by the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, to reject the establishment of a Palestinian state:

“I am deeply saddened by the Knesset’s vote to deny a path toward Palestinian statehood. When the U.S. voted in support of the 1948 UN resolution to establish two states for two peoples in the region, we recognized Israel immediately. But we tragically delayed recognition of Palestine until such time as Israel agreed via negotiation to accept its existence. Since Israel has made plain that it will not accept Palestinian autonomy, the U.S. should no longer condition recognition on Israeli assent, but instead upon Palestinian willingness to peacefully coexist with its neighbors.”

Kaine has repeatedly reiterated his support for Israel’s right to defend itself against Hamas following Hamas’ horrific October 7 terrorist attacks and Iran’s strikes on Israeli soil, pushed for more humanitarian aid in Gaza, and called on all parties to accept a deal to release hostages and establish a durable ceasefire in Gaza. After reports of a pending major weapons transfer from the U.S. to Israel, Kaine called on the Administration to ensure that any further arms transfers to Israel be comprised primarily of defensive weapons. In February, Kaine helped support passage of a security package including defensive support for Israel and humanitarian aid for civilians in Gaza.

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