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Report: Palestine Offers to Freeze UN Bids in Exchange for U.S. & Israeli Funding

Palestine Offers to Freeze U.N. Bid

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas (AP Photo/Majdi Mohammed)

International tensions have certainly risen since the Palestinian Authority began seeking membership within various U.N. agencies and announced its quest to seek a full U.N. statehood bid.

At the end of October, the PA gained entry into UNESCO, which shocked the United States and Israel, among other countries opposed to U.N. membership without a peace agreement. Following this PA victory, the U.S. announced funding cuts and the Palestinian government subsequently said that it would seek entry into additional agencies.

Now, here’s where the situation gets murky, becoming a he-said, she-said situation of sorts.

According to a new report by Israel’s Haaretz.com, the PA may now be backing down from its lofty U.N. goals. A European diplomat has apparently said that Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and his government will cease all attempts to gain U.N. recognition in various agencies until the end of January. In exchange, the U.S. and Israel would need to, once again, begin transferring funds to the PA. Haaretz reports:

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s special envoy Isaac Molho met secretly in London on Tuesday with U.S. administration representatives David Hale and Dennis Ross to discuss the suggestion.

According to a European diplomat whom the PA had updated about the proposal, the PA plans to complete the process of trying to get full UN membership for Palestine recognized by the Security Council. PA President Mahmoud Abbas is expected to ask for a vote by the end of December, although the move is doomed to defeat. Even if the Palestinians muster enough votes, the United States will veto it.

Palestine Offers to Freeze U.N. Bid

So, while the prospect of achieving full membership isn’t a reality, regardless of whether Abbas and his compatriots continue to push the measure, the PA may be willing to suspend its membership bids into small U.N. agencies (the World Health Organization and the World Trade Organization, among others).

On Thursday, the Jerusalem Post reported that the PA is denying it has been seeking out a deal that would require an abandonment of its statehood bid:

Palestinian officials denied Thursday reports claiming that they were willing to freeze their statehood bid at the United Nations if Israel handed over tax collection funds it had withheld over the Palestinian Authority‘s acceptance into the UN’s educational panel. [...]

…speaking to Palestinian news agency Ma’an on Thursday, chief PA negotiator Saeb Erekat called the report “nonsense,” saying that the Palestinians were determined to apply for membership.”

These reports come after Haaretz wrote that sources in Israel confirm meetings between Molho and U.S. officials (other sources claim he also met with a “senior Arab figure” as well). By claiming that they will not abandon their statehood bid, PA officials may still be speaking with some accuracy.

After all, the Haaretz report said that they would be willing to suspend membership to other agencies, which is different from seeking the larger bid with the Security Council.

At this point, there is no definitive answer regarding whether the U.S. and Israel view this proposal favorably or whether the alleged discussions have truly occurred. Still, the notion that the PA is potentially looking to strike deals is certainly noteworthy.

(H/T: Haaretz)

Comments (89)

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  • EqualJustice
    Posted on November 17, 2011 at 3:51pm

    They have SOME NERVE trying to OFFER any kind of a “DEAL?”

    Report Post » EqualJustice  
    • Okie from Muskogee
      Posted on November 17, 2011 at 4:31pm

      Let me understand this correctly, Israel collects taxes from Gaza and West Bank (Arabs) and then refuses to give it to the leadership over those groups to use? But before Israel was collecting taxes from the same groups and giving it to that leadership….The reason Israel is keeping this money is to try and stop them from declaring Statehood? 

      Isn’t that stealing in a way? Isolationist? Encouraging them to go to Iran and Israel’s enemy for support? 

      Regardless, it is their problem, not a US problem or UN problem. More people involved, the worse things get. It is a sad tragedy for all the people there that their leaders cannot be men and live in peace. Both sides are to blame. Both. 

      Report Post » Okie from Muskogee  
    • smackdown33
      Posted on November 17, 2011 at 5:27pm

      The anti-Gentile Jewish state of Israel is the problem, has been the problem, and will continue to be the problem. The vote to allow Palestine into UNESCO was 107 to 14. Take out Palau, Panama, Samoa, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu; you’re left with 107 to 10. The rest of the world is not wrong. We are wrong.
      Israel is the worlds albatross. Fanatical fundamentalists disagree.

      Report Post »  
    • Rightsofman
      Posted on November 17, 2011 at 5:52pm

      Watch – we’ll go for the deal and criticize Israel for turning it down.

      Report Post »  
    • scout n ambush
      Posted on November 17, 2011 at 8:47pm

      No okee this colleecting taxes was called for in the Oslo Accords and the palies broke that but what makes you think arabs /palestinians would pay taxes to jews thats some funny stuff .And they would only freezee their un bid until…. january….2 months thats a awful lot of money for 2 months they must be some high priced er… escorts .

      Report Post » scout n ambush  
    • Okie from Muskogee
      Posted on November 17, 2011 at 10:23pm

      @Scout

      Yes Israel collects taxes for the Palestinian Authority….If they did not collect anything, Israel would have nothing to withhold from them now would they? Or are you saying Israel just gives Israeli money to the Palestinian Authority, only helping their own enemy? Can’t have it both ways. Think before you speak….

      Report Post » Okie from Muskogee  
    • scout n ambush
      Posted on November 17, 2011 at 11:57pm

      Only if they work in Israel or import or export“Think before you speak” wtf do they export ? And if they are so freakin poor how could they afford to import. Paris agreement, Import taxes and Import policy article 3 and annex 1articles 10,11annex article 5 Direct taxation and article 6 Inderect taxes on local production VAT . I am not going to type all of it but if you look for yourself you can maybe get some reality you just suck up anything against them as the honest gospel truth don’t you, try looking up Oslow accord taxes or Paris agreement …..dont let hate blind you.

      Report Post » scout n ambush  
    • scout n ambush
      Posted on November 18, 2011 at 12:54am

      OKIE Sorry for being so grouchy but it’s about like us paying all the costs for Illegals here yet we have to give them tax money for stuff being brought into the us and cover all the cost to protect us from them they work here and go back to mexico should we with hold taxes and pay them to mexico?It is all a bunch of crap but i agree we should not give a dime to the un and should stay out of it and the un should stay out of it too.

      Report Post » scout n ambush  
    • edcoil
      Posted on November 18, 2011 at 10:44am

      Tell them to fund their own tribe.

      Report Post »  
    • Grey Eagle
      Posted on November 18, 2011 at 9:56pm

      Apparently, when their scheme did not work with the UN, then it became nothing more than a shake down. Disgusting.

      Report Post »  
  • 762x51
    Posted on November 17, 2011 at 3:46pm

    Don’t you just love to see the REAL Islamic purpose? Their religeous ferver can be bought off with a little payola, nothing like religon based extortion to get those 72 virgins all stoked up and ready to rock. I wonder how many jihadi jackholes blew themselves up so that Abbas, et all. could get some palm grease in their bank accounts? Way to go . . . dumbass.

    I agree the answer is HELL NO, but offer is enough to clarify their intent.

    Report Post »  
  • david3755
    Posted on November 17, 2011 at 3:31pm

    This diplomacy can be handled over the phone. Just say no. Maybe they will pay attention next time.

    Report Post »  
  • wtune
    Posted on November 17, 2011 at 3:27pm

    I have a better idea. Let them continue seeking UN recognition and the United States will defund each UN organization recognizing Palestine immediately upon recognition. Hopefully, all UN organizations will recognize Palestine, and the United States will quit funding the UN in its entirety. And the best way of delivering our last notice of defunding would be enclosed with our resignation from this idiotic, worthless organization

    I know that neither the Democrats nor the Republicans currently in office have the guts to take such steps. But I will bet that soon after we resigned, other industrialized countries would follow. After all, who is going to be left to replace our 40-80% of all UN funding? Zimbabwe?

    Report Post »  
    • DaveOregon
      Posted on November 17, 2011 at 3:40pm

      Hear, Hear! Fully agree. Let the PA keep kissing Iranian butt to get their blood money! Eventually, even Iran will run out of dough – especially if the EU falls they way it looks like it will. No more socking away $$ in krugerands or Swiss banks for the mullahs or Iranian Guard!

      Report Post »  
    • Fiscallytead
      Posted on November 17, 2011 at 5:13pm

      #TUNE

      Well said!!!! Defund the UN!

      Report Post »  
  • Fight for America
    Posted on November 17, 2011 at 3:23pm

    So it was all about following the money? And this isn’t a compromise – it’s more like blackmail.

    Report Post »  
    • JohnGaltSpeaks
      Posted on November 17, 2011 at 4:54pm

      This is following the exact model that Jesse “the Reverend” Jackson pioneered.

      A) Stir up lots of rhetoric and accusations that have no basis or proof
      B) Demand concessions for the ‘oppressed’ from the ‘the man’
      C) Kindly offer to relent on the demands for ‘social justice’ (whatever that is) and offer to withdraw any lawsuits in exchange for a nice fat check made out to Jackson‘s personal retirement account by way of a ’non-profit community outreach organization’
      D) Find another set of ‘victims’ being hurt by the ‘oppressors’ – rinse and repeat

      Same formula, just different players in this Palestinian mess.

      Report Post »  
  • o0o0lllll0o0o
    Posted on November 17, 2011 at 3:23pm

    Allow me to translate: The Palestinians want you to pay them to do nothing.

    I guess one could assume that the Palestinians in the Middle East are the equivalent to blacks in America. Give them welfare since they’re not capable of supporting themselves.

    Report Post » o0o0lllll0o0o  
    • wtune
      Posted on November 17, 2011 at 3:31pm

      I am appalled at your racism. i had hoped that most Americans had long ago risen above such racial hatred!! Obviously, most of us may have succeded in overcoming racial bias, but you are apparently the exception that proves the rule

      Report Post »  
    • jwmarietta
      Posted on November 17, 2011 at 4:05pm

      You are way off base with 2 major points. 1) Black are capable of supporting themselves and working and such, but we as a country have given into the bull that we owe them. Hey dumb ass, you would be getting bent over by a lion in your that **** hole of a continent Africa. Equality is what they all preach but that is nowhere near what they want. They just want what everyone else has worked to get. and 2) Its not all Blacks, that is what makes you racist. Its only about 98% of black that feel like they deserve all these luxuries just because they are. They dont deserve to have to work for it, what a joke. If we would have never given into the demands of **** like Jesse Jackson, and Al Sharpton. Its a crying shame these guys are actually taken seriously and someone hasnt taken thing into their own hands and kinda “persuade” them to stop. ha

      Report Post »  
    • 13th Imam
      Posted on November 17, 2011 at 4:11pm

      I am appalled at your stupidity. Of course American Taxpayers are obliged to pay the Sand Rats to not work. We do it here . It’s called SEIU, AFL-CIO, UAW, Etc. And race has nothing to do with it.
      PS: to all you who are Forced to be in a union , so solly

      Report Post » 13th Imam  
    • SweetT
      Posted on November 17, 2011 at 5:02pm

      Hey Tune: The rest of the ARAB world look upon Palestinians as the dregs – that is why they encourage them to strap bombs to their children. The Arabs also have not given them a piece of that useless desert for their own place. AND to top it off the Arabs will not hire a Palestinian to work for them, that is why they work for the Israelis- talk about bite the hand that feeds you! Please read your history from when the British gave Israel to the Jews after WWII. It is an eye opener…

      Report Post »  
  • True American66
    Posted on November 17, 2011 at 3:13pm

    Well….they’ve finally shown their true colors….they’re violent blackmailers and occupiers…JUST LIKE THE CROWDS IN ZUCOTTI PARK….but they’ll take your hard-earned western money, won’t they….Who woulda thought it…LOL…..Abbas is a sickening, pathetic user and terrorist supporter. Americans will NEVER take him seriously.

    Report Post »  
    • MrSteve_46
      Posted on November 17, 2011 at 3:23pm

      No more money to these true Enemies of the State…… Their promises are worthless!!

      Report Post »  
    • NOBAMA201258
      Posted on November 17, 2011 at 3:26pm

      Yes,now we see why they pulled that UNESCO stunt! We shouldn’t give these murderous thugs another dime! Let the saudis and all their other arab “brethren” do it just like they rewarded the animals that were released in the swap for Gilad Shalit,maybe rose-ellen and the other idiot palestinian sympathizers that post here can help but only if they go with them!

      Report Post »  
    • Geminitis
      Posted on November 17, 2011 at 3:29pm

      I feel like it’s the Nakatomi Plaza building all over again, when Hans says it was always about the money. Have congress tell them to stuff it and their UN bid along with it. America shouldn’t negotiate with or payoff terrorists

      Report Post »  
  • MBA
    Posted on November 17, 2011 at 3:13pm

    No thanks. Palestines just take the UN and move to wherever you and your thugs are welcome (not in the USA) and take obamy with you when you leave. No more American money for these criminals. We are supporting enough of our own criminals entrenched in DC as it is.

    Report Post »  
  • Arphaxad
    Posted on November 17, 2011 at 3:03pm

    They have now shown themselves for the blackmailing thugs that they are.

    Report Post »  
  • SpankDaMonkey
    Posted on November 17, 2011 at 2:58pm

    .
    Well Mahmoud, you just wish for that money in one hand & crap in the other one. We’ll see which one fills up first…..

    Report Post » SpankDaMonkey  
    • smokeysmoke
      Posted on November 17, 2011 at 3:03pm

      hahahah this just shows how DEPENDENT THEY ARE, on their zionist masters…. dont give em a cent

      Report Post » smokeysmoke  
  • The_Almighty_Creestof
    Posted on November 17, 2011 at 2:54pm

    You mean…fund your terrorists. No…rot in hell!

    Report Post »  
    • oldguy49
      Posted on November 17, 2011 at 3:00pm

      suck an egg !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

      Report Post »  
    • oldguy49
      Posted on November 17, 2011 at 3:01pm

      sorry suck an egg was for the idiots in palastine

      Report Post »  
    • 13th Imam
      Posted on November 17, 2011 at 3:16pm

      Sand Rats don’t work. Money must be gotten so the rockets can be procured to fire on the country paying for those rockets. American taxpayers much help.

      Retire Barry Nov 2012

      Report Post » 13th Imam  
  • ZAP
    Posted on November 17, 2011 at 2:51pm

    MURDER,now BLACKMAIL

    Report Post » ZAP  
  • Dismayed Veteran
    Posted on November 17, 2011 at 2:50pm

    The muslim resident at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue will fork over the cash. Just wait and see.

    Report Post » Dismayed Veteran  
  • BrerRabbit
    Posted on November 17, 2011 at 2:50pm

    Extortion ! NOT one penny!

    Report Post »  
  • geonj
    Posted on November 17, 2011 at 2:49pm

    do not release funds to the PA. it is obvious finantial sanctions are working.

    Report Post » geonj  
  • republic2011
    Posted on November 17, 2011 at 2:49pm

    Answer: “No. Go pound sand. You have a lot of that over there… Stay out of my pocket!”

    Report Post »  
  • AntipasMetochos
    Posted on November 17, 2011 at 2:48pm

    What unmitigated gall! They expect Israel and the US to again fund the Gaza terrorists who seek the destruction of the Jews and the Jewish State? Fix the problem–simply do what Joshua failed to do (Joshua 9). Begin in Iran with a few of the new bunker-busters. Then, deport the UN to an “enabler” city such as Rome, since it is an un-American, socialist institution built on the properties of Americans through the use of eminent domain.

    Report Post » AntipasMetochos  
  • HotFixIt
    Posted on November 17, 2011 at 2:47pm

    Extortion… that’s all it is… ask for the $$$ then do what they want to do anyway. Who are they trying to kid. Do they think we are idiots…??? Guess they are watching OWS and think this represents us… oh wait… that’s 99% of us! ….. selling us a bill of goods… sort of reminds me of a song … “Ocean Front Property in Arizona”

    Can you say SCAM

    Report Post »  
  • lukerw
    Posted on November 17, 2011 at 2:46pm

    Is this… Black Mail… or a Ransom? Either way… NO!

    Report Post » lukerw  
    • whatthecrazy
      Posted on November 17, 2011 at 4:01pm

      Resist we much………sorry couldnt help myself ,had to say it………………………….

      Report Post »  
  • showmerancher
    Posted on November 17, 2011 at 2:46pm

    Let’s see… what is their track record on keeping their end of a deal?

    Report Post »  
  • SUMTHINSTINKS
    Posted on November 17, 2011 at 2:44pm

    The USA DOES NOT deal with TERRORISTS!!! GO Pimp yourselves elsewhere!

    Report Post » SUMTHINSTINKS  
  • Heil88
    Posted on November 17, 2011 at 2:42pm

    We shouldn’t be giving these dam terrorist a cent either way! What has this country turn into a bunch of low life cowards? Firer every elected official and get your common working class citizen in office. The federal and state elected officials need their pay, retirement and terms of holding office completed overhauled. Texas has a good understanding of it, if you have to copy from them.

    Report Post » Heil88  
  • Gonzo
    Posted on November 17, 2011 at 2:41pm

    Cut them off. Let their Muslim brothers bail them out. Bunch of snakes.

    Report Post » Gonzo  
  • Nobar
    Posted on November 17, 2011 at 2:38pm

    It’s a lie straight from Hell. Don’t buy it. Abbas has tasted victory and hes out for blood. He (like the rest of the radical Islamic community) know that they are close to their goal – the end of Israel – and they won’t let anything or anyone stand in their way.

    Report Post » Nobar  
    • TXPilot
      Posted on November 17, 2011 at 2:43pm

      NOT ONE RED CENT !!!…..no US tax dollars should go to terrorists that kill innocent people. It’s time for the US to be out of the UN and tear down their evil headquarters in New York.

      Report Post » TXPilot  
  • smokeyridgerunner
    Posted on November 17, 2011 at 2:36pm

    NOT JUST NO but hell no! Do not give them people nothing.

    Report Post »  
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