Palestinian Statehood Campaign Brewing

Israel’s ambassador to the U.N. Danny Danon warned on Thursday of a renewal of the Palestinian campaign for statehood recognition at the Security Council and in other venues.

“The Palestinians are increasing their involvement and activity in the international arena in a bid to internationalize the conflict,” Danon told The Times of Israel.

There are several initiatives calling for the creation of a Palestinian state circulating among U.N. diplomats, he said. While the international struggle against Islamic State temporarily obscured the Palestinian issue, they are planning a propaganda comeback in the near term.

“The [November 13] terror attack in Paris focused the world’s attention on the fight against IS, but we are slowly seeing now that other topics are returning to the global agenda, and our conflict with the Palestinians is at the center,” Danon said.

While on a brief visit to Israel for a Foreign Ministry conference, Danon also spoke about Israel’s relationship with the United States and other countries.

He said he has met with the American ambassador to the U.N. Samantha Power many times, and that their relationship is “excellent.” Power is due to visit Israel next week.

Danon enthusiastically confirmed recent reports about Israel’s improved relations with the Sunni Arab states: “These secret meetings are fascinating; you can see the enormous gap between their public statements and what they say behind closed doors,” he said. “We have much cooperation in many different areas.”

Since Israel and the Sunni Arab states “face the same threats, this cooperation serves both sides,” he added. “The State of Israel has great technological capabilities which we share with allies and parties whose interests are identical to ours.”