Arab American Institute Welcomes Passage of UNSC Vote on Illegality of Israeli Settlements
The Arab American Institute released the following statement:
The Arab American Institute welcomes the passage of today’s U.N. Security Council vote on the illegality of Israeli settlements and in support of a political resolution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.
For the past four decades, the United States has pursued a consequential – and ultimately failed – strategy of shielding the state of Israel from U.N. action. This uncritical approach has allowed Israel to act with impunity, grossly expanding settlements in occupied territories in direct violation of international law while, at the same time, systematically violating the human rights of the Palestinians.
With the incoming Trump Administration signaling its support for Israeli settlement policies, President Obama’s actions today reaffirms the U.S. standing opposition to settlements, while serving notice to President-elect Trump that his bullying tactics would not deter the UN from affirming the principles that define the terms of a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
The Arab American Institute applauds President Obama’s decision to allow this UN resolution to pass. In the face of pressure from the President-elect, Members of Congress, and Washington lobbyists – all of whom were calling on the White House to veto the resolution – the President stood his ground in support of passage.
We reaffirm that we stand today in solidarity with all who seek self-determination, security and justice for both Palestinians and Israelis.
