UN Resolution on Israeli Settlements

The United States abstained at the UN Security Council, allowing a resolution to move forward on opposing Israeli settlements illegal under international law. “The Fourth Geneva Convention bans nations from the moving of populations into and the establishing of settlements in the territory of another nation won in war,” explains Barak Ravid for Haaretz. For now, the “resolution is a form of diplomatic message to Israel and sets the international consensus on the settlements and further isolates Israel with regard to this issue.” Ravid analyzes precedent and implications. The resolution is not the first on Israeli settlement, but it could spur action by the International Criminal Court. Other US presidents besides Barack Obama have allowed multiple resolutions on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to proceed. Obama did veto a resolution on settlements in 2011. Obama is not alone in using the transition period between administrations to allow foreign policy measures to move forward. The Trump administration could overturn the resolution, but would require support from other nations. Some US lawmakers urge cutting US funding for the UN, but that would reduce US influence. – YaleGlobal