Obama Punts To Congress Over Repercussions For UN Palestine Vote
” “The reason for that is simply that our aid to the Palestinians is an important part of our relationship,” Earnest said. “And we believe that we can – the United States can and should play a constructive role in facilitating negotiations between the Israelis and Palestinians.”
U.S. officials say they believe the statehood vote could harm the chances for a two-state solution. They’re concerned Palestine may use it to pursue criminal charges against Israel at the International Criminal Court, for example.
The Senate is expected to vote next week on bipartisan legislation that would cut off U.S. aid if that happens as an amendment to the pending Defense authorization bill, a Senate aide said. The bill, championed by Sens. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) and Robert Menendez (D-N.J.), would also shutter the PLO’s Washington office unless the president determines that the Palestinians are engaged in “meaningful negotiations” with Israel.
The senators said Thursday they did not want to immediately terminate aid in order to preserve the chance for a negotiated two-state solution with Israel. “
Related articles
- Senators threaten to cut Palestinian aid in retaliation for U.N. action (washingtontimes.com)
- Surprise: Obama punts the ‘Palestinians’ (israelmatzav.blogspot.com)
- US lawmakers threaten cutoff of Palestinian aid if they use UN upgrade against Israel (timesofisrael.com)
- AIPAC Directs Congressional Punishment of Palestinians After UN Vote (lobelog.com)
