Israel urges US to soften UN resolution on Palestinian statehood

Israeli officials are engaged in urgent diplomatic efforts to modify the wording of a United Nations Security Council resolution that acknowledges Palestinian self-determination and statehood prospects. According to Israeli media reports, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's administration is conducting last-minute negotiations with US President Donald Trump's team and Arab leaders to soften the language in the American-drafted resolution scheduled for a Monday vote.

Resolution Content and Israeli Objections

The draft resolution, promoted by Washington, calls for deploying a multinational force in Gaza under the existing ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. The text suggests that "conditions may finally be in place for a credible pathway to Palestinian self-determination and statehood" following comprehensive reforms within the Palestinian Authority. Israeli officials have characterized the draft as "dangerous" and warned it could produce unpredictable consequences, despite their belief that the Palestinian Authority will not meet the reform requirements outlined in Trump's peace plan.

Netanyahu's Firm Opposition

Prime Minister Netanyahu reiterated his categorical rejection of Palestinian statehood during Sunday's Cabinet meeting, declaring "My opposition to the establishment of a State of Palestine has not changed. It stands and remains." He emphasized his commitment to preventing Palestinian sovereignty despite what he described as "pressure from outside and from within," while reaffirming that Gaza would be demilitarized and Hamas dismantled as key Israeli objectives.

International Context and Proposed Security Arrangements

The resolution proposes a multinational force that would collaborate with Israel and Egypt to stabilize Gaza while replacing both Hamas governance and Israeli military presence in the territory. The plan also envisions developing a trained Palestinian police force to help secure Gaza's borders. The diplomatic developments occur amid growing international recognition of Palestinian statehood, with 160 of the UN's 193 member states now extending recognition according to Palestinian authorities.