AJC "Deeply Disappointed" by U.S. Vote on UN Security Council Resolution

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Dec 23, 2016, 02:53 ET

NEW YORK, Dec. 23, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- AJC is deeply disappointed that the United States chose to abstain on a UN Security Council resolution today which singled out Israel for condemnation. The resolution, withdrawn by Egypt yesterday, was reintroduced by Malaysia, New Zealand, Senegal and Venezuela.

"The Administration's decision, for the first time in eight years, not to block an anti-Israel measure at the UN Security Council is profoundly disturbing," said AJC CEO David Harris. "It only encourages diplomatic end-runs and diversionary tactics, which hinder rather than advance the prospects for peace."

"Moreover, this measure repeats the Palestinian falsehood that Israeli settlements constitute the core of the conflict," said Harris. "Let's be clear: The chief obstacle to achieving peace is, and long has been, the steadfast refusal of the Palestinian leadership to recognize Israel's legitimacy and negotiate in earnest a comprehensive agreement. Security Council members that supported the resolution are not helping the cause of peace by their failure to hold the Palestinians accountable for their chronic short-sightedness and inaction."

AJC, the global Jewish advocacy organization, has long advocated for direct, bilateral Israeli-Palestinian talks, leading to a durable two-state accord. "The two-state solution may be frustratingly elusive after years of effort by successive Israeli governments, and years of Palestinian rejectionism, but surely it is the only conceivable path to an accord," said Harris.

"Encouraging the misguided Palestinian strategy of doing everything possible to avoid Israel, while accumulating hostile statements against Israel at the UN and other international organizations, has been counterproductive to achieving a sustainable peace that will benefit both Israelis and Palestinians," said Harris. "Isn't it high time to face reality? Enduring peace accords with Egypt and Jordan came about because of direct talks with Israel. The same could be true with the Palestinians, if only they finally learned the lessons of those talks."

The final vote was 14 in favor, none against, and one abstention, the United States.

SOURCE American Jewish Committee