U.S. Prevents U.N. Statement on Hebron Monitors: Diplomats Report by Reuters

UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) – The United States blocked a proposed statement from the United Nations Security Council on Wednesday that aimed to express concern over Israel’s decision to terminate a foreign observer force in the contentious Palestinian city of Hebron, according to diplomatic sources.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced last week that he would not extend the mandate of the Temporary International Presence in Hebron (TIPH), accusing the observers of engaging in unspecified anti-Israel activities.

Norway, which has led the observer mission for the past 22 years, remarked that Israel’s unilateral decision could halt the implementation of a crucial part of the Oslo accords.

The 15-member U.N. Security Council held discussions on Israel’s decision behind closed doors following requests from Kuwait and Indonesia, who also prepared the draft statement. Such statements require consensus for approval.

U.N. diplomats indicated that the United States felt a council statement on the matter was not suitable.

The draft statement, which was reviewed by Reuters, would have acknowledged the significance of the TIPH and its efforts to maintain calm in an area characterized by sensitivity and instability, which poses a risk of further deterioration.

The U.S. has persistently accused the United Nations of exhibiting anti-Israel bias and has historically defended its ally against actions in the Security Council.

Hebron, which has a population of approximately 200,000 Palestinians, is home to around 1,000 Israeli settlers who are safeguarded by a significant Israeli military presence.

The TIPH was established following a tragic incident in 1994 when a Jewish settler killed 29 Palestinians at a shrine in Hebron sacred to both Muslims and Jews. The city has also experienced violent incidents, including stabbings and shootings involving Palestinians targeting settlers and Israeli soldiers.

Since Israel’s partial withdrawal from Hebron in 1998 under interim agreements with the Palestinian Authority, the TIPH has been tasked with monitoring violations of agreements and breaches of international humanitarian and human rights laws.

Peace negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians broke down in 2014. Most countries view Israeli settlements in the West Bank, territory captured by Israel during the 1967 conflict, as illegal; however, Israel disputes this claim, citing historical, biblical, and political connections to the land.