NEWS:
The US and Israel are trying to limit the impact of the PLO's mission
status upgrade at the UN. Palestinians are certain of victory in
today's vote, and will get support from at least 13 European states.
Surprisingly, Germany and Australia indicate both will probably
abstain rather than voting no. Israeli officials are quoted as saying,
"we lost Europe." PM Netanyahu says the vote will make it more
difficult for Palestinians to achieve statehood. Former PM Olmert says
is no reason for Israel to oppose the resolution. Settlers call for
massive annexation of occupied territories in "retaliation."
Republican senators issue language calling for further aid cuts to the
PA in "retaliation." Hamas revives calls for a restructured PLO in
which it can play a leading role. Israeli naval forces seize to
fishing vessels off the coast of Gaza, throwing claims of eased
fishing limitations into doubt. Palestinians executed as
"collaborators" with Israel during the recent conflict were reportedly
in custody before the violence began. Pro-Israel advocates are facing
new setbacks at several American universities.
COMMENTARY:
ATFP executive director Ghaith Al-Omari and David Makovsky of WINEP
analyze the repercussions of the PLO UN bid. The New York Times says
it won't bring Palestinians any closer to statehood and resumption of
negotiations is urgently required. The Washington Post says
Palestinians may achieve an empty triumph at the UN. Nabil Sha'ath
appeals to the international community to support the Palestinian
initiative. Hanan Ashrawi says a vote for the resolution is a vote for
peace. The Guardian says the resolution gives the UN a chance for a
fresh start. Israeli Amb. Oren says Hamas deliberately tries to
maximize civilian casualties. J.J. Goldberg says the Palestinians are
sounding increasingly reasonable but Israel isn't. Leonard Fein says
the resolution defends the two-state solution and should be supported
by Jews. The National says the UN bid shows Israel increasingly
isolated. Ephraim Sneh says the initiative is good for Israel and the
United States. Mark Leon Goldberg says Israel needn't fear charges
against its officials at the ICC.
American Task Force on Palestine - 1634 Eye St. NW, Suite 725, Washington DC 20006 - Telephone: 202-262-0017