The Croatian Parliament today voted against a proposal to formally recognize the State of Palestine. Out of 121 MPs present, 44 voted in favor, 4 abstained, and 73 opposed.

Lawmakers also voted on a separate proposal to suspend existing licenses for arms exports to Israel and to block new permits for transfers through Croatian territory. That motion was also rejected, with 46 in favor, 3 abstentions, and 71 against.

The debate comes just a day after President Zoran Milanović, speaking at the United Nations in New York, publicly stated that Croatia should recognize Palestine.

However, Croatian Foreign Minister Gordan Grlić Radman stressed that the conditions for recognition are not yet met. Speaking on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, he said: “Recognition at this moment is premature. Like some other key European countries, we believe that before such a step, it is essential to stop the conflict and secure the release of all hostages.”

The vote highlights a clear division in Croatia’s political leadership over the sensitive issue, as international momentum around Palestinian recognition continues to grow.