At the United Nations, 142 countries voted in favor of a resolution backing a two-state solution, while only 10 stood opposed: Israel, the United States, Argentina, Hungary, Paraguay, Micronesia, Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, and Tonga. This unusual mix includes powerful players like the U.S. and Israel, as well as several small Pacific nations whose support is often shaped by Christian convictions, economic aid, and geopolitical ties to Washington. Leaders in Argentina and Paraguay have also realigned their countries strongly with Israel, moving embassies to Jerusalem, designating Hamas and Hezbollah as terrorist groups, and pursuing closer ties with both Israel and the U.S.

Hungary, under Viktor Orbán, has emerged as another outspoken supporter of Israel, aligning closely with Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Trump on issues like border security and opposition to international oversight. For these nations, opposition to Palestinian statehood is about more than ideology—it is about faith, strategy, and alliances. While most of the world presses forward with symbolic recognition of Palestine, these 10 nations reflect a bloc committed to resisting what they view as rewarding terrorism, even if it sets them apart on the global stage.

Meanwhile, the UN meetings are still ongoing. The General Assembly (GA) can pass resolutions of recognition or recommendations — such as supporting Palestinian statehood — but these votes are not legally binding, even if more than 140 countries agree. Real authority lies with the Security Council (UNSC), which alone can approve binding measures and grant full UN membership to a state. Any one of the five permanent members — the U.S., U.K., France, Russia, or China — can veto such a move, instantly halting it. While the GA can elevate Palestine’s diplomatic standing, as it did in 2012 by granting “Non-Member Observer State” status, it cannot override the Security Council. In other words, overwhelming symbolic support in the GA carries political weight but not the legal power to establish Palestinian statehood without UNSC approval.