The United Nations has a pretty good track record for voting overwhelmingly to censure both Arab States that have supported Palestinian attacks against Israeli civilians, and Israel for atrocities against Palestinian civilian and occupation of Palestinian territory by force. The problem is that one member of the UN Security Council with veto power has consistently vetoed only the actions taken against Israel. Finally Obama directed our Ambassador to the UN to do the right thing at last.
Defying extraordinary pressure from President-elect Donald J. Trump and furious lobbying by Israel, the Obama administration on Friday allowed the United Nations Security Council to adopt a resolution that condemned Israeli settlement construction.
The administration’s decision not to veto the measure reflected its accumulated frustration over Israeli settlements. The American abstention on the vote also broke a longstanding policy of shielding Israel from action at the United Nations that described the settlements as illegal.
While the resolution is not expected to have any practical impact on the ground, it is regarded as a major rebuff to Israel, one that could increase its isolation over the paralyzed peace process with Israel’s Palestinian neighbors, who have sought to establish their own state on territory held by Israel.
Applause broke out in the 15-member Security Council’s chambers after the vote on the measure, which passed 14 to 0, with the United States ambassador, Samantha Power, raising her hand as the lone abstention. Israel’s ambassador, Danny Danon, denounced the measure, and castigated the council members who had approved it…
From <NY Times>
MSNBC Interviewed Cal Perry for an explanation of the US abstention.
Note that the resolution does nothing to harm Israel. It is merely a notice from the world that the current government’s attempts to take all the land by attrition instead of the two state solution guaranteed by treaty is illegal and immoral.
It’s important that you understand that not all Jews oppose this measure. We hear mostly about AIPAC, but that most Jews fail to understand that organization is bankrolled and at least partially dominated by non-Jewish Republicans, especially Dominionist Republican Supply-side pseudo-Christians. Here is the authentic voice of liberal American Jews.
J Street welcomes the decision today by the Obama administration to abstain from voting on a United Nations Security Council resolution, which reaffirms the need for a two-state solution and calls for a halt to actions by both sides that serve to undermine the prospects for peace.
The resolution is consistent with longstanding bipartisan American policy, which includes strong support for the two-state solution, and clear opposition to irresponsible and damaging actions, including Palestinian incitement and terror and Israeli settlement expansion and home demolitions.
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict can only end based on mutual agreement between Israelis and Palestinians, and President Obama has repeatedly stated his opposition to the United Nations – or any other entity – imposing a binding resolution on the parties. He also has stated and demonstrated a commitment to vetoing UNSC resolutions that are one-sided or anti-Israel… [emphasis added]
From <J Street>
Finally, if you have any doubt, here’s the final proof. Both Netanyahu and Trump oppose it. Kudos to Obama!
13 Responses to “Doing the Right Thing at Last!”
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I can give you one more coffin nail of truth – besides Trump and Bibi, Doug Lamborn opposes it. The title of his email: "Lamborn blasts President Obama's failure to veto the UNSC anti-Israel resolution today" (dated yesterday) And then he has the GALL to put out a "Hannukkah 2016 Statement" today!
There are those Obama balls again in full working order!
This is a difficult and complex situation, of that there is no doubt. Both Israel and Palestine are guilty of waging war on the other, but neither is completely right nor completely wrong. I do not agree with Israel unilaterally expropriating land, Palestinian land, in the West Bank, which they have done and continue to do, and establishing settlements. For me, this is not about being anti Jewish state, pro Palestinian state, or vice versa. This is about everyone having their rights respected and living in peace.
This is a different track from the past and perhaps that is what is needed. My one wish other than peace right now, is for Drumpf to STFU. He is not president and should not be interfering.
I wish he had used those balls in September, and told McConnell to screw off! Had he done so, we might not be in the current situation.
Amen to you both.
Jewish Voice for Peace was also welcoming the American abstinence from this vote, but was a little more critical on the whole: "The U.S. abstention from this resolution is a welcome sign in that regard. As the only country that abstained, the evidence of the U.S.’s isolation from the global consensus during the vote was stark."
Obama made a good first step there, but he'd show real balls if he had actually voted along AND did what Jimmy Carter asked him to do and recognize Palestine as state. Both actions are symbolic and wouldn't last long after Drumpf has been crowned, but just abstaining has made quite an impact on the World community. Imagine what would had happened if America had joined in with the rest of the world in the vote and when Obama would recognize the rights of the Palestinian people. Drumpf would really have a hard time wiping that slate "clean" again.
I fully agree.
Good news!!
Thanks, Tom.
The settlements have been wrong, and a spit in the eye of the Palestinians, for years. I see no way that the Israelis don't know that they are lighting fires under the feet of the Palestinians, only to then blame them for being pissed off! Or, is that part of the Israeli strategy, make the Palestinians look like evil, so the world says "Screw them!"
I did not know that AIPAC is funded, at all, by Dominionists, like Ted Cruz' father; never thought a bout it one way or another. If so, however, then the Rapture loving pseudo-Christians are really in the mix, wanting to supprt the Jews in Israel for the SOLE purpose of bringing on the next coming of their God, giving not a damn for those who do not get on board their magical fantasy train!
I think that'a their intent.
AIPAC's three biggest funders are Sheldon Adelson, The American Israel Coalition and Freedom Watc h. Adelson was Newt's billionaire in 2012, the second is a neocon PAC, the thirs isa spelled K-o-c-h.
Good to hear, TC! We won't see any of that after Drumpfenfarten gets in there.
RESIST!
I am glad Obama finally did the right thing. Supporting Israel and condoning wrong doing by Israel are two different things.
Nutty has no business going to Trump – Trump is NOT president yet…..and never would be if I had any say about it.
Bravo to Obama.
Thanks all! Holiday Hugs!!