UN to Netanyahu: Translate Your Words into Actions

The United Nations on Wednesday called on Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu to translate into action his commitment to a two-state solution, Reuters reported.

 

During the recent election campaign in Israel, Netanyahu angered several Western leaders when he declared in a series of interviews he would do everything in his power to prevent the establishment of a Palestinian state.

 

He appeared to backtrack after the election, explaining in an interview that he wants “a sustainable, peaceful two-state solution” but Western leaders have continued to express skepticism that Netanyahu is being sincere.

 

“Secretary-General (Ban Ki-moon) is encouraged by the recent reaffirmations by Prime Minister Netanyahu of his commitment to ‘the idea of a sustainable two-state solution’ but notes this must be translated into actions,” UN political affairs chief Jeffrey Feltman told the Security Council on Wednesday, according to Reuters.

 

Feltman said Israel needed to stop “sensitive and unilateral” activities, meaning construction in Judea and Samaria.

 

The comments come amid efforts by France to bring Israel and the Palestinian Authority (PA) back to the negotiating table for peace talks.

 

French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius visited the region this past week, urging the resumption of Middle East peace talks but warning that continued Israeli construction in Judea and Samaria poses a threat to a final deal.

 

Read More: UN to Netanyahu: Translate Your Words into Actions – Middle East – News – Arutz Sheva