Liberal MP 'reflecting' on place in caucus after NDP Palestinian statehood motion debacle

The late-night Liberal watering-down of an NDP motion regarding the recognition of Palestinian statehood on Monday prompted anger and disappointment among both pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian advocacy groups. And, it has left one Liberal MP saying he felt 'isolated' and is now 'reflecting' on his place within caucus.

The late-night Liberal watering-down of an NDP motion regarding the recognition of Palestinian statehood on Monday prompted anger and disappointment among both pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian advocacy groups.

And, it has left one Liberal MP saying he felt 'isolated' and is now 'reflecting' on his place within caucus.

On Monday, a contentious motion from the federal New Democrats initially calling on Canada to recognize the "State of Palestine" passed – but not until after the Liberals drastically altered its wording at the 11th-hour to see the government simply work towards that aim as part of a two-state solution.

The non-binding but largely symbolic motion sponsored by NDP MP Heather McPherson also included considerably amended language about several aspects of the ongoing Israel-Gaza war.

This included calling for an immediate ceasefire, for Hamas to release all hostages, for further transfer of arms exports to Israel to cease, and for enhanced humanitarian aid and resettlement offerings. 

The NDP took the position that recognizing Palestine as a state could help accelerate a deeper diplomatic process, and despite the extensive changes, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh said he's now "forced the government to move in a certain direction."

After stating in the House of Commons that an opposition motion would not sway the federal government's foreign policy, Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly told reporters post-vote that it is "clearly the intent of this government to make sure that we follow what is written in this motion."