Israel’s ambassador to the UN strongly rejected the Palestinian request to join the Organization, at the time when the Security Council was officially starting to consider this matter, the successful outcome of which is considered rather unlikely.
“The Security Council is currently debating the recognition of a Palestinian state,” Gilad Erdan said from the floor of the General Assembly, saying that approving the request would be “the most heinous reward for the most heinous crimes.” Even simply considering the request constitutes a “victory” for those who carried out and supported the Hamas attacks in southern Israel on October 7, he added. “What’s the next step, to consider joining the Islamic State in the UN?” he wondered.
According to the Israeli diplomat, granting statehood to the Palestinians is antithetical to the idea of reaching a sustainable solution through negotiations – negotiations that have been deadlocked for a decade. The Israeli government opposes the two-state solution, which is called for by most other countries, including the US.
Since 2012, the Palestinians have had “observer, non-member” status. Last week they renewed a request dating back to 2011 to become a full member of the UN.
The Security Council met today to begin the process of considering the request. In order to be accepted, there must first be a positive recommendation by the Security Council (at least 9 votes in favor and no veto by the permanent members) and then be approved by two-thirds of the General Assembly. But observers doubt that the request will pass through the SA, due to the stance of the US, which was also opposed in 2011.
“Our position has not changed,” said acting US spokesman Robert Wood, reiterating that recognition of a Palestinian state should come as part of an agreement with Israel, not the UN. Last week he said the US was bound by legislation that says if the Security Council approves a Palestinian state outside of a bilateral agreement, UN funding must be cut.
“What we are asking is to take our rightful place within the UN community,” said Palestinian ambassador Riyad Mansour, hoping to put the request to a vote on April 18.
Source: RES-MPE
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