Washington, DC – Congressman Howard L. Berman, Ranking Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, released the following statement condemning the Palestinians’ “UN strategy” and urging the Administration to veto any anti-Israel resolution.

“The Palestinians are undermining their own best interests in persistently pushing for a UN Security Council vote condemning Israel. Complicated final-status issues like settlements can only be resolved directly between the Israelis and Palestinians, not by the glib declarations of international fora. Nor will the Palestinians’ “UN strategy” contribute to efforts to establish a Palestinian state, which can emerge only through a negotiated agreement with Israel. In fact, UN resolutions or statements, however momentarily satisfying to the Palestinians, would seriously set back those efforts by demonstrating bad faith and signaling to the Israelis that the Palestinians prefer grandstanding to meaningful engagement.

“I strongly urge the Palestinians, for the sake of peace, to cease their efforts at the UN and return at once to the negotiating table. Should they nevertheless persist, I strongly urge the Administration to veto any UN Security Council resolution critical of Israel and to oppose use of any international forum for anti-Israel purposes. By demonstrating consistency and resolve in support of our ally Israel, the Administration will strengthen US credibility abroad.”