Italian lawmakers urge recognition of Palestinian state

Cnaan Liphshiz

(JTA) — Italian lawmakers backed a non-binding resolution urging the government to recognize Palestine as a state.

Italy’s Chamber of Deputies voted by 300 to 45 to pass the motion presented by Prime Minister Matteo Renzi’s Democratic Party, the news site repubblica.it reported on Friday.

Friday’s symbolic vote does not change the position of the Italian government, which, like other European countries, still supports a negotiated two-state solution.

Ireland, Britain, France and the European Parliament held similar votes toward the end of last year. Sweden went further, officially recognizing Palestine, whereas Spain’s congress passed a motion that says Spain should recognize a Palestinian state only after its establishment is agreed upon in bilateral negotiations with Israel.