ABBAS' NEW ALLY

It would seem that Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas has found a new ally in recently elected French President François Hollande, granting Abbas the confidence to once again try to circumvent direct peace talks with Israel. In a joint news conference with Hollande, Abbas stated that if Israel did not restart negotiations, he was ready to go the United Nations General Assembly in a bid for “non-member state” status. It is a move reminiscent of Abbas’ bid for full UN member-state status last September, which was supported by 120 General Assembly members but ultimately failed when the United States threatened to veto the measure in the Security Council. With the United States powerless to veto a bid for non-member-state status it is likely Abass’ attempt would succeed where the previous effort failed. Israel strongly opposed any Palestinian attempt to gain UN State recognition amid fears the move is designed to delegitimize the state of Israel...