$1 Billion At Risk From U.N. Vote On Palestinians - Congress On Record With Plan To Block Aid Over 'Membership'

Steward Stogel * WND

UNITED NATIONS – The move by the Palestinian Authority to enhance its status in the U.N. General Assembly sets up a potential confrontation with the Obama administration and Capitol Hill.

At risk could be over $1 billion of U.S. foreign aid.

The vote of 138 yes, nine no and 41 abstentions was short of Palestinian expectations but still managed to draw the ire of the U.S, Israel and Canada.

Congress has gone on record as threatening to block all aid to the Palestinians if they seek full U.N. membership.

The U..N. move of seeking enhanced observer status rather than full outright membership in the assembly is considered a tacit acknowledgement of just how important the U.S. is to the embattled government of President Mahmoud Abbas.

With its new status, the PA will no longer need to make special requests nor ask for sponsors to address the General Assembly.

It could also pave the way for the Palestinians to join the International Criminal Court and pursue action against Israel in a legal forum where decisions are binding.

However, an ICC move by the Palestinians could prompt congressional retaliation.

It is one step short of full recognition. It is also the same route taken by Switzerland, South Korea and North Korea before they gained U.N. membership.

Currently, the only other observer-state is the Holy See.

The vote did spell a significant defeat for U.S.-U.N. Ambassador Susan Rice. Rice lobbied for over a year to kill the PA campaign but to little avail.

continue at WND:

http://www.wnd.com/2012/11/1-billion-at-risk-from-u-n-vote-on-palestinians/