Knesset member in London to push yes vote on Palestine
Ahmad Tibi says UK recognition of state alongside Israel will serve as catalyst for other nations to do the same
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on Google
MK Ahmad Tibi (Ra’am-Ta’al) arrived in London Monday as part of an effort to convince members of the British Parliament to support the recognition of the state of Palestine in a largely symbolic vote set to take place later in the day.
The Arab-Israeli MK also sat in on the discussions leading up to the nonbinding vote and will be present during the actual poll as well.
“The government of [Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu is doing everything to foil the vision of two states, mostly through settlement [construction],” Tibi said. “I do not know what will be the outcome of the vote, but it is an important political event that could serve as a catalyst for other states and parliaments in Europe and the world.”
Prime Minister David Cameron has indicated that a decision to recognize Palestine would not change the country’s foreign policy toward the Palestinians, Reuters reported, citing Cameron’s official spokesperson. The prime minister was set to abstain.
The motion was brought by Labour MP Grahame Morris, prompting an angry debate earlier Monday over party instructions to vote in favor of the recognition, the Independent reported on Monday.
Several senior Labour party members were pushing back against an order that the whole party support the recognition. MPs objecting to the move argue that recognition of Palestine should only come as part of a wider Middle East peace settlement.
Over 300 Israeli figures, including two left-wing ex-ministers, by contrast, signed a letter Sunday urging the British Parliament to vote in favor of recognizing a Palestinian state.
The Times of Israel Community.