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EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton was warned that upgrading Palestine would be a "game-changing move." Unilateral Israeli actions would follow.
A senior Netanyahu official said:
"We're asking all these states to make the dangerous ramifications of this move clear to the Palestinians.""We're telling the Europeans openly that if (Abbas) goes to the UN, he won't be a partner in the eyes of Israel's leadership the day after."
"We're also explaining that the gap between the decision made at UN headquarters in New York and the reality on the ground is liable to be so large it will lead to frustration, and thence to violence."
Measures being considered include revoking privileges afforded PA officials, canceling work permits for Palestinians in Israel, halting Palestinian tax transfers, and greatly expanding settlement construction.
Abbas could be treated like Arafat. First he was isolated. Then he was poisoned with polonium and killed. Israel plays no holds barred hardball. It gets away with it because world leaders don't object.
Abbas will be heavily pressured to dissuade him. It may work. If not, Israel plans to lobby 100 or more UN member states. It hopes to persuade enough to vote no or abstain to matter.
If Abbas keeps his pledge, what better time for an overwhelming supportive UN endorsement. It's likely. Israel often pulls this stunt and others like it. Perhaps it's gone to the well too often. If not now, eventually.
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