Foreign Minister Eli Cohen’s responded to the UN General Assembly’s decision to request an advisory opinion on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict by the ICJ.
Cohen definded the vote as "an anti-Israeli decision that lends support to terrorist organizations and the antisemitic BDS movement, contravening the agreed-upon principles of the UN itself."
"This initiative represents another error made by the Palestinian leadership, which has been supporting and inciting terrorism for years and leading its people in such a manner that harms the Palestinians themselves, as well as the possibility of resolving the conflict. Instead of working for the benefit of the Palestinian people and fighting terrorism, the Palestinian leadership promotes futile efforts to harm Israel." Cohen added.
Foreign Minister Cohen declared that the decision will not change the situation on the ground, nor will it stop Israel from continuing to fight against terrorism, protect the citizens of Israel, and advance the State of Israel’s interests.
"Israel expects the UN to reject the Palestinians’ attempts to politicize UN institutions, an act which harms the organization’s international standing and integrity." he added, "I thank the dozens of countries that did not support the resolution. These countries understand - as do we - that the Palestinian resolution does not bring about a resolution to the conflict, and will only lead to radicalization and escalation on the ground. "
"We thank our many friends, particularly the US, for their efforts to prevent the resolution from being adopted." Cohen stated, "I would also like to thank the Foreign Ministry’s staff – in Israel and in diplomatic missions across the world – as well as the many actors who mobilized towards the diplomatic effort, which led to most world countries choosing not to support the Palestinian initiative."
"The UN General Assembly’s vote is only one stage in the struggle. The Foreign Ministry and I are committed to continuing to fight the delegitimization campaign being waged against Israel." Foreign Minister Cohen concluded.