TEL AVIV – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly concerned that the Obama administration may attempt to impose a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict before Obama leaves office.Citing an Army Radio report on Sunday, the Times of Israel writes that Netanyahu believes Obama may make his move during his “lame duck” period between the American presidential elections and the new president’s inauguration.
His concerns focus on the UN, where rumors have been flying that an upcoming Security Council resolution will define the parameters of a two-state solution based on the 1967 borders, effectively handing the Palestinians the concessions they want from Israel without any reciprocity. The 1967 borders refer to the West Bank, Gaza Strip and eastern sections of Jerusalem.
Such resolutions are not uncommon at the UN, but the United States has long exercised an “automatic veto” on them, holding that the conflict must be resolved by direct negotiations between the two sides.
The Times also reports that Israeli media has speculated that the UN moves will be coordinated with a renewed push for peace by Secretary of State John Kerry. If the initiative fails, writes the Times, “the Obama administration might try to impose some kind of accord.” (READ MORE)
