Washington—Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) released the following statement on the Israeli election results:

“The only way for Israel to retain its Jewish and democratic character is to support the creation of an independent Palestine by its side. I hope that yesterday’s election doesn’t push a peaceful two-state solution out of reach.  “Now that Prime Minister Netanyahu will likely form the next government, I urge his coalition to exercise restraint and reject campaign promises to annex any portion of the West Bank – doing so would be a serious blow to lasting peace.

“It’s not sustainable for Israel to maintain its military occupation of the West Bank in perpetuity. Nor is it just to continue denying Palestinians their inherent right of self-determination.

“For its own long-term survival, Israel must choose a different path forward. As Israel forms a new government, I urge its leaders to take no action – particularly annexing the West Bank – that would kill a two-state solution.”