According to Israeli journalist and Middle East analyst Gil Yaron the Palestinian game plan is as follows. Come September, the PA will put a resolution in front of the UN calling for the recognition of a Palestinian state based on pre-1967 lines. As a member of the UN Security Council’s permanent five (P5), the US has veto power over any resolution, which it will most likely employ in such a scenario.
Nothing to worry about then, right?
Wrong. In 1950, during the Korean War, the UN passed Resolution 377, or “Uniting for Peace”, which states that if disagreement among the permanent members is preventing the UN from maintaining peace, the UN General Assembly should deliberate and vote on the matter, potentially superseding the veto power of the P5. For the US it was a way of circumventing a Soviet veto.
But the Cold War is long over and the composition of the UN has radically changed. For a resolution to pass the General Assembly, it needs 128 votes (2/3 majority). To date, 112 countries have recognized the Palestinian state. And Netanyahu’s strong speeches, though well received in the US and Israel, may aid the Palestinian side in making up the deficit of 16 votes.
So what should Israel’s game plan be? Curry the favor of these 16 countries? Pressure some of the 112 to change their stance? Or simply give in to Palestinian demands in order to avoid this recognition vote altogether. The stakes are high. Official UN recognition of a Palestinian state could succeed in forcing the US’ hand and cementing Israel’s isolation from the world stage.
Again, absolutely excellent!
Yes, I am surprised that no one is talking about this option at ALL in the press, even as the day approaches.