Veto at UN: US ‘to re-evaluate’ backing for Israel

WASHINGTON: The White House on Thursday raised the prospect of withdrawing crucial diplomatic cover for Israel at the United Nations, following Benjamin Netanyahu’s divisive election victory. Angered by Netanyahu’s shock campaign pledge to block the creation of a Palestinian state, the White House warned the foundation of its policy for backing Israel had been undermined. The United States — a veto-wielding member of the UN Security Council — has frequently opposed moves at the UN to recognize a Palestinian state. “Steps that the United States has taken at the United Nations had been predicated on this idea that the two-state solution is the best outcome,” said spokesman Josh Earnest. “Now our ally in these talks has said that they are no longer committed to that solution. That means we need to reevaluate our position in this matter, and that is what we will do moving forward,” he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 20^th, 2015.