In a statement, the Foreign Ministry said that UNESCO's acceptance of the Palestinian Authority would harm the cause of peace in the Middle East. “The decision is a Palestinian attempt at establishing a state unilaterally and without negotiations, but moves like these will just reduce the chances for peace. This decision does not establish a Palestinian state, but it does complicate further negotiations.”
The Ministry added that “Israel believes that the only proper path for progress is through direct negotiations with the Palestinians, without preconditions.”