Israeli Threat to Annul Oslo
Israel specializes in threats and cold-blooded murder.
by Stephen Lendman
Follow-through won't change facts on the ground. Israel's annulment threat is hollow.
Oslo reflected unconditional Palestinian surrender. Israel triumphed diplomatically, economically and politically. Palestinians got nothing in return. More on that below.
On November 14, Haaretz headlined "Israel: We will annul Oslo Accords if Palestinians seek upgraded UN status," saying:
Israeli ambassadors are spreading the word. Israel will consider partial or full cancellation of Oslo provisions. On November 29, General Assembly Member States vote. Upgraded status looks virtually certain.
Abbas said he'd seek non-member observer status on November 15 or 29. The UN recognizes the latter date as International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People.
November 15 is Palestinian independence day. On November 15, 1988, it was proclaimed in Algiers. At the time, the PLO adopted the Palestinian Declaration of Independence. Palestine is a legitimate state. Israel's position changes nothing.
PLO legal advisor Francis Boyle drafted the independence document. He included safeguards to assure all sovereign state rights. His document left no wiggle room loopholes. He also made sure UN membership won't comprise them.
Palestine satisfies all essential criteria for sovereign independence and full de jure UN membership. Why Abbas hasn't sought it he'll have to explain.
It he proceeds as planned, he'll seek non-member status in lieu of full de jure rights and privileges. He's Palestine's worst enemy. He represents quisling leadership. He's a longtime Israeli collaborator. What he'll actually do isn't sure.
On November 11, an Israeli Foreign Ministry cable told ambassadors:
"You are asked immediately at the beginning of the work week to contact the foreign ministry, prime minister's office, national security adviser or president's office and request to do all possible to halt the Palestinian initiative because of its far-reaching consequences."
Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman also met with Israeli EU ambassadors in Vienna. He told them to respond harshly to upgraded status during General Assembly proceedings.
He also discussed recrimination. Possible measures include halting tax transfer revenue to the PA, canceling permits for Palestinians allowed to work in Israel, and partial or full Oslo cancellation.
