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| Ban Ki-Moon shaking the hand of Holocaust denier Mahmoud Abbas |
Kindly distribute this as widely as possible
AN ISRAEL ADVOCACY MESSAGE September 2011
With the UM due to vote this month on Palestinian "Independence," here are some points relating to the Palestinians' aim for a unilateral declaration of statehood, bypassing the normal negotiating procedures.
Please select from these points to spread the truth to your contacts, media etc...... Israel needs your help!
Legal tests for statehood
The Palestinian Authority (PA) currently fails the clearly established legal tests for statehood, particularly the test of effective government. Moreover, it does not have effective control over the Hamas-run Gaza Strip, even though Israel withdrew completely from this area six years ago. Recognition as a new state would be premature and could serve as a dangerous precedent in other regions..
Basic principle of a negotiated peace.
Although Israel remains keen on a mutually-negotiated/agreed resolution of the conflict, in accord with all internationally accepted frameworks for peace (UN Security Council Resolutions 242, 338, 1850; the Roadmap; Quartet statements, etc.), the Palestinian leadership prefers to use international pressure to force a unilateral solution on Israel.
Violation of existing Palestinian/Israeli bilateral peace agreements
Most notably, the Interim Agreement from 1995 expressly prohibits unilateral action by either side to change the status of the West Bank and Gaza prior to reaching a negotiated permanent status agreement.
Recognizing a Palestinian state now harms true peace
It would not settle any of the key permanent status issues, including borders, Jerusalem and refugees.
A premature unilateral declaration would ignore Israel's legitimate concerns, especially regarding recognition of Israel's right to exist as the nation-state of the Jewish people, and security issues.
Premature recognition means recognition of terrorists
The PA has signed a reconciliation agreement with Hamas, which seeks the destruction of Israel and rejects the three Quartet Principles (recognition of Israel's right to exist, acceptance of existing agreements and an end to violence).
A unilateral declaration of statehood will be exploited for 'lawfare' against Israel
President Mahmoud Abbas has pledged to use recognition of a Palestinian state as a springboard to launch a legal war against Israel (as directly stated in his May 2011 New York Times op-ed).
Premature recognition threatens existing Israeli-Palestinian cooperation
Currently, bilateral arrangements exist in over 40 spheres of civilian activity and serve as the basis for real economic, legal and security cooperation, as well as the tax transfers from Israel to the Palestinian Authority. The tension inevitably following a contentious unilateral declaration could render such cooperation impossible.
Israel remains committed to the quest for peace
Israel has a long proven track record of making strategic concessions, leaving Sinai for peace with Egypt and leaving Gaza and South Lebanon, but they were answered with rockets and violent attacks
Israel has done much to improve conditions for Palestinians over the past two years, removing roadblocks and facilitating the improvement of the economy in the West Bank.
Premature recognition would render the negotiating process and the ideals of compromise and dialogue meaningless and would undermine Israeli efforts for peace.
If you have any constructive comments or suggestions about advocacy for Israel, or need any help or information, please contact us on <mailto:LISTliverpool@live.co.uk>
<mailto:LISTliverpool@live.co.uk>Liverpool Israel Support Team
