US Secretary of State Clinton Opposes UN Resolution on Israeli Settlements

Strategic Insights -

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has expressed opposition to a draft UN Security Council resolution condemning Israeli settlement activity. The proposed resolution, backed by the Arab league and the Palestinian Authority, declares that Israeli settlements in areas occupied since 1967, including East Jerusalem, are illegal and a major obstacle to achieving peace. Clinton's comments raise the prospect of a US veto, a move that has been used by the United States to block resolutions seen as one-sided against Israel in the past.

Key Takeaways:

  • The US opposes the draft UN Security Council resolution condemning Israeli settlement activity, with Clinton stating that the only viable way to achieve a two-state solution is through face-to-face talks between Israelis and Palestinians.
  • The proposed resolution declares that Israeli settlements in areas occupied since 1967, including East Jerusalem, are illegal and a major obstacle to achieving peace.
  • The measure is co-sponsored by nearly 120 UN member countries and is likely to be supported by 14 countries on the 15-member Security Council if it comes to a vote.
  • US officials have argued that unilateral steps, those taken without Israel's consent, complicate peace efforts.
  • A group of over 50 former US diplomats and officials have urged President Barack Obama to support the draft resolution, stating that a veto would undermine US credibility and interests.
  • The US has traditionally vetoed resolutions seen as one-sided against Israel, with Clinton's comments suggesting that a US veto is a possibility.
  • The draft resolution has broad support on the UN Security Council, with nearly 120 UN member countries co-sponsoring the measure.
  • The US has also opposed the recent recognition of Palestinian statehood by several Latin American countries.

Statistics:

  • The proposed resolution is co-sponsored by nearly 120 UN member countries.
  • 14 countries on the 15-member UN Security Council are expected to support the resolution if it comes to a vote.
  • Over 50 former US diplomats and officials have signed an open letter urging President Obama to support the draft resolution.

Sources:

  • Voice of America (VOA)
  • Washington, DC - [No date specified]
  • US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton
  • Estonian Foreign Minister Urmas Paet
  • Former US diplomats, cabinet officials, and others, including former Defense Secretary Frank Carlucci, former Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs Thomas Pickering, and former chief US Middle East diplomat Richard Murphy