US rejects Arab-backed plan to end Israeli occupation in 2017; says immediate vote unlikely

Published January 08, 2015

The U.S. is prepared to veto a United Nations Security Council proposal that calls for an end to Israel's occupation of Palestinian lands in 2017.

State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said the resolution, offered by Jordan and pushed by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, is unlikely to face an immediate vote.

Israel has described the Arab-backed proposal as counterproductive, and its approval would all but certainly upend hope for a peace settlement.

Secretary of State John Kerry spoke Thursday with diplomats from the Mideast and Security Council nations to craft an agreement likely aimed at restarting peace talks.

Sens. Chuck Schumer and Lindsey Graham urged the State Department to veto any measure that imposes a peace agreement without direct negotiations between Israel and Palestinians.

URL

https://www.foxnews.com/us/us-rejects-arab-backed-plan-to-end-israeli-occupation-in-2017-says-immediate-vote-unlikely