US may withdraw diplomatic shield for Israel at UN

WASHINGTON: The White House on Thursday warned it may withdraw crucial diplomatic cover for Israel at the United Nations, Following Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s election campaign pledge not to allow a Palestinian state.

Despite Netanyahu’s backtracking over his campaign promise, skeptical American officials said the veteran Israeli leader would have to prove his commitment to negotiations for a two-state solution.

White House spokesman John Earnest said the Obama administration was re-evaluating its stance at the United Nations.

“Steps that the United States has taken at the United Nations had been predicated on this idea that the two-state solution is the best outcome," said spokesman Josh Earnest.

“Now our ally in these talks has said that they are no longer committed to that solution. That means we need to reevaluate our position in this matter, and that is what we will do moving forward."

The United States – a veto-wielding member of the UN Security Council – has frequently opposed moves at the UN to recognize a Palestinian state, saying that must be part of a negotiated peace deal.

It has also shielded Israel from often Arab-led UN votes castigating the Jewish state for various actions, including alleged human rights abuses.

Several officials, speaking to the New York Times on condition of anonymity, said the Obama administration might agree to a UN Security Council resolution enshrining a two-state solution.

Washington brokered nine months of negotiations between Netanyahu’s last government and the Palestinians which collapsed late last year, amid continued Israeli settlement building and the Palestinians move to join international bodies.

"Netanyahu´s statements against a two-state solution and against a Palestinian state... are proof, if correct, that there is no seriousness in the (future) Israeli government about a political solution," Abbas said.

The Palestinians would continue to push for legitimacy on the international stage, Abbas said. "It is our right to go to anywhere in the world to achieve international legitimacy," he said.

The Palestinians will formally join the International Criminal Court on April 1 and have vowed to seek action from the very first day for alleged Israeli war crimes during last year´s conflict in the Gaza Strip.