Hadash MK Ayman Odeh announced last Sunday, September 21, that on the opening day of the Knesset’s winter session, he will submit a bill calling for Israel’s official recognition of a Palestinian state, in response to Australia, Canada, France, the UK and other countries recognizing one.

MK Ayman Odeh during a Hadash–Ta’al faction meeting at the Knesset, June 30, 2025 (Photo: Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)

“I welcome the decision of the UK, France, Australia, Canada and other countries to recognize a Palestinian state,” he wrote in X, adding that the Palestinian people are no better or worse than anyone else, but nevertheless deserve the right to self-determination. “On the first day of the winter session, I will place on the Knesset table a bill to recognize a Palestinian state. Because there are two people here, and the State of Israel must also recognize this simple fact.”

Hadash MK Aida Touma-Sliman told The Jerusalem Post that the recognition of a Palestinian state by “Western powers is an important step, but it is not enough, too little too late.” Touma-Sliman said that Palestinian state recognition “must be the beginning of a serious pressure campaign on Israel and its backers in the White House, including economic measures and arms embargoes.” “The world knows that the destruction of Gaza must end, and a Palestinian state must be established alongside Israel. It is time for action,” she said. 

Related: https://maki.org.il/en/?p=32914