Security Council Calls on Israelis Not to Expand Jerusalem
The Security Council called on Israel late Monday not to proceed with a decision to extend the boundaries of Jerusalem, terming it “a serious and damaging development.”
A statement issued at a formal council meeting also called on Israel “not to take any other steps which would prejudice the outcome of the permanent status negotiations” with the Palestinians, due to be completed next May.
The council served notice that it “will keep Israeli actions under review.”
The statement, delayed several hours while Chinese delegates awaited instructions from Beijing, was a follow-up to a daylong council debate June 30, when more than 40 speakers criticized the Israeli plan to expand Jerusalem.
A council statement requires the concurrence of all 15 council members. A resolution carries greater weight but is subject to a vote and possibly a veto.
The United States, which has criticized Israel’s decision to broaden the borders of Jerusalem, would have vetoed a resolution it felt too harsh, particularly at a time when Washington is trying to persuade Israel to agree to proposals for a further troop withdrawal from the West Bank.
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