TEHRAN – On Friday, Nasser Kanaani, spokesperson for Iran's Foreign Ministry, sharply criticized a recent resolution passed by the Israeli parliament (Knesset) that rejects the establishment of a Palestinian state.

Using the social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter), Kanaani condemned the resolution as a clear demonstration of what he termed the "racist" nature of the Israeli regime.

"The Knesset’s resolution once again showed the world the racist nature of the Zionists’ usurping regime," Kanaani asserted. He described the Israeli government as an "apartheid regime," arguing that it poses a threat not only to the Palestinian people but also to global peace and security.

Kanaani emphasized the Palestinian nation's right to resist and reclaim their rights amidst the inaction of the international community, particularly criticizing the United Nations for its failure to secure Palestinian rights and enforce international resolutions against Israel.

This strong rebuke from Tehran followed the Knesset's decisive vote on Wednesday, which saw a 68-9 majority passing the resolution that formally opposes the creation of a Palestinian state west of the Jordan River. The resolution, introduced by the right-wing opposition party New Hope, contends that the establishment of a Palestinian state would pose an "existential danger" to Israel and exacerbate the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, thereby destabilizing the region.

Gideon Sa'ar, chairman of New Hope, stated that the resolution was meant to signal to the international community that efforts to impose a Palestinian state on Israel are futile. This vote came just ahead of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's scheduled visit to the United States, where he is set to address a joint session of Congress and meet with President Joe Biden, a known proponent of a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

According to The Jerusalem Post, the resolution is seen as an attempt to exert pressure on Netanyahu, who is anticipated to face opposing pressures from U.S. officials on potential discussions regarding Palestinian sovereignty. The U.S. has been involved in efforts to broker a deal between Israel and Hamas that could potentially end ongoing violence in the Gaza Strip.

The resolution has sparked condemnation from Palestinian leaders. Mustafa Barghouti, Secretary-General of the Palestinian National Initiative, criticized the move, calling it a rejection of peace efforts and an official declaration of the failure of the Oslo Accords. Signed in 1993, the Oslo Accords were intended to pave the way for a viable and sovereign Palestinian state.

Despite the Knesset's stance, several countries, including Spain, Ireland, Norway, Slovenia, and Armenia, have officially recognized a Palestinian state, joining over 140 UN member states that have extended such recognition over the past four decades.