From UN demands Israel end ‘unlawful’ presence in West Bank, East Jerusalem within 12 months
Lazar Berman is The Times of Israel's diplomatic reporter
The United Nations General Assembly adopts a resolution demanding that Israel “brings to an end without delay its unlawful presence” in what it calls “Occupied Palestinian Territory” within 12 months, including all soldiers and civilians.
The resolution calls for Israel to adhere to the International Court of Justice ruling in July on Israel’s presence in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, and calls for a weapons embargo on Israel.
The measure was sponsored by the State of Palestine and 29 other countries, mostly Muslim nations. The UAE is the only Arab country that recognizes Israel to decline to add its name to the sponsors.
Some 124 countries support the measure, 14 oppose it, and 43 abstain. Israel, the US, Czechia, and Argentina are the largest countries opposing, along with Pacific island nations. Paraguay and Malawi also oppose the measure.
Many European nations abstain — including Ukraine, the UK, Germany and Italy — as do Canada and Australia.
The Foreign Ministry says the decision “encourages terrorism and harms the chances for peace.”
Israel charges that the decision ignores October 7 and strengthens Hamas, sending a message that “terrorism pays.” It also makes a hostage deal less likely, says the Foreign Ministry.
“Israel will respond accordingly,” the statement threatens, but does not lay out exactly how it will retaliate against the Palestinian Authority.
