Israel engaged in last-ditch efforts to oppose Palestinian bid
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Xinhua, September 20, 2011
Lacking alternative
"Regarding the option of the UN bid, Abbas knows very well that it will not be passed easily because the United States and European powers are going to oppose him," Prof. Bassem Zbeidi at Birzeit University told Xinhua.
He argued that going back to the negotiations, based on the same old game rules, was absolutely impossible for Abbas, because it would be "harmful to his standing and legitimacy."
"He had been losing ground since he went through the same talks that lasted for almost two decades without much tangible outcome. This was suicidal for Abbas," Zbeidi said.
Notwithstanding the fact that the bid would be vetoed in the UNSC, it is important for Abbas to go through with the initiative, according to Zbeidi. "Because it gives him the opportunity to take a stand and send a message to his own people, as well as the United States and Israel."
"He is trying to tell them that the peace process needs a change, and future talks will have to be conducted in a new manner," Zbeidi said.
"Abbas knows that at the end of the day, he needs to get ready to negotiate with the Israelis," Zbeidi argued.
Moral minority
In addition to coordinating with the United States, Israel is also trying to build a so called "moral minority" of friendly countries in the UNGA, should Abbas approach the assembly instead of the UNSC.
A vote in the UNGA will not grant the Palestinians full membership, but it will upgrade their status from observer entity to a non-member observer state. This will allow them to seek membership in UN organizations, such as the Human Rights Council and the International Criminal Court, without voting rights.
Israel is focusing its efforts on securing a number of European countries' support, since the EU has not agreed on a unified position.
It would be more comfortable for Israeli decision makers and diplomats to say that they have the support of the countries who share tremendous political, economic and security interests with the Jewish state, said Dr. Mark Heller of Tel Aviv University.
But he downplayed the significance of such an alliance, as Abbas seems to be intent on taking the issue to the UNSC, where the Palestinians don't stand much chance.
"It won't be passed in the UNSC, although the United States prefer not to be alone (using veto)," Heller said.
