After the UN, the EU must lead the way on Israeli settlements

UN Resolution 2334 adopted on the 23 December 2016 should be seen as a belated step towards mobilising the international consensus. The Resolution concerned the Israeli settlements in 'Palestinian territories occupied since 1967, including East Jerusalem'. The Resolution was passed in a 14-0 vote by members of the Security Council (UNSC). The United States, which has veto power, abstained.

The Security Council reaffirmed that Israel’s establishment of settlements in Palestinian territory occupied since 1967, including East Jerusalem, had no legal validity, constituting a flagrant violation under international law and a major obstacle to the vision of two States living side-by-side in peace and security, within internationally recognized borders.

But to give it any real effect, states will need to build on the resolution with a view to making it operational. The author suggested that the European Union was best positioned to do so.

UN: Press Release, 23.12.16: Israel’s Settlements Have No Legal Validity, Constitute Flagrant Violation of International Law, Security Council Reaffirms https://www.un.org/press/en/2016/sc12657.doc.htm

ESO: Background information: Statement by the Spokesperson on the 'Regularisation Bill' in Israel http://www.europeansources.info/record/statement-by-the-spokesperson-on-the-regularisation-bill-in-israel/

Wikipedia: United Nations Security Council Resolution 2334 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Nations_Security_Council_Resolution_2334

Deutsche Welle, 06.01.16: [Opinion]: Opinion: The two-state solution is just empty talk http://dw.com/p/2VQAr

BBC News, 24.12.16: Israel settlements: Netanyahu orders UN ties review http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-38429385

EU: EEAS: Israel and the European Union https://eeas.europa.eu/headquarters/headquarters-homepage/1337/israel-and-eu_en

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