Statement on the 2019 Israeli Elections

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Rebecca Vilkomerson, Executive Director, Jewish Voice for Peace:

While the outcome of the Israeli election is not yet clear, we know that both major parties (Likud and Blue and White) who may be asked to form governments plan to continue the status quo at best, and pursue total annexation at worst. While it is a relief that some of the most extremist parties appear not to have reached the threshold to enter the Knesset, any government that is formed cannot be expected to take any steps to end the occupation or end oppression of Palestinian people.

The complete disenfranchisement of Palestinians living in the West Bank and Gaza, as well as the fact that no Israeli government has ever included a Palestinian-led party, despite Palestinian citizens of Israel making up 20% of Israeli citizens, illuminates the limits of Israeli “democracy.”

This election reinforces the need for pressure from outside Israel – including Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) – for any hope of significant changes in Israeli policies towards the Palestinian people or progress towards peace.

JVP full statement soon.

For press inquiries please email Granate@jvp.org.

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