New York, NY, April 18, 2016… The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today called on the United States to take a strong stand against Palestinian Authority efforts to present a one-sided resolution harshly critical of Israel at the Security Council, saying it would in no way advance Israeli-Palestinian bilateral negotiations.
In a letter to Samantha Power, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, ADL stressed that the U.S. should object to the resolution because it is both one-sided and part of an ongoing pattern of the Palestinians circumventing direct negotiations, and instead, going to the U.N. to gain international support.
“We are proud of how American leadership has been singular in seeking to promote constructive Israeli-Palestinian engagement through the resumption of bilateral negotiations, and encouraging both sides to take confidence-building measures, including steps related to settlements and security,” said Jonathan A. Greenblatt, ADL CEO. However, only productive dialogue will garner tangible results, and we urge Ambassador Power and the Administration to continue rejecting Security Council resolutions that put a damper on their tireless efforts.”
Mr. Greenblatt added, “It is also revealing that six months into a wave of Palestinian terror attacks on Israelis, the resolution only specifies the prevention of terrorism ‘by Israeli settlers.’ With this kind of imbalanced approach and way of thinking, no progress will be made.”
ADL told Ambassador Power that it would be helpful for both Israel and the Palestinians to engage in confidence building measures, including examining the role settlement building plays in the current impasse and improving security cooperation between the parties.
Following Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas’ remarks to the U.N. Human Rights Council in October, ADL expressed concern over the accusations, incitements and half-truths that were espoused. Earlier this year in January, the League said it was disappointed over a statement by U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon which appeared to justify the current wave of Palestinian terror as “human nature,” and referred to the body leader’s remarks as “highly disturbing.”