US envoy Nikki Haley delivered a powerful speech at the United Nations Security Council yesterday on the Trump administration’s recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.
Hayley reaffirmed that US President Donald Trump and his administration remain committed to a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, if that is what both sides agree to. The Jerusalem decision would not change this.
In keeping with standard practice for sovereign nations, she stated that Israel had the right to decide the location of its capital, and that it is “simple common sense” that foreign embassies should be located in Jerusalem. This in fact merely recognises what is the de facto situation.
Hayley criticised the UN’s ongoing anti-Israel bias, saying it “has done much more to damage the prospects for Middle East peace than to advance them.” The US would no longer stand by when Israel is attacked at the UN.
“Israel will never be, and should never be, bullied into an agreement by the United Nations, or by any collection of countries that have proven their disregard for Israel’s security.”
Image: Winnie Au