UN spokesperson: Israeli security-cabinet decision threatens two-state solution, must be reversed

The United Nations on Tuesday said the secretary-general is "gravely concerned" by a recent decision of the Israeli security cabinet to authorize administrative and enforcement measures in Areas A and B of the occupied West Bank and warned the moves are undermining prospects for a two-state solution.

"The secretary-general is gravely concerned by the reported decision of the Israeli security cabinet to authorize a series of administrative and enforcement measures in Area A and Area B of the occupied West Bank," the UN spokesperson, Steph, said in a press briefing. He reiterated that "all Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem and their associated regime and infrastructure, have no legal validity and are in flagrant violation of international law, including relevant United Nations resolutions."

The spokesperson cited the International Court of Justice and relevant Security Council resolutions in describing those actions as unlawful and destabilizing. Asked whether the secretary-generals words constitute an urging or a demand that Israel reverse the measures, the spokesperson said the statement was a call for reversal.

When pressed on whether the measures amount to de facto annexation, the spokesperson said the decisions "are not moving us in the right direction" and are "driving us further and further away from a two-state solution and from the ability of the Palestinian authority and the Palestinian people to control their own destiny." He added: "The secretary-general will continue to advocate for the respect of international law. We will continue to push for a two-state solution, but he can't do it alone."

The briefing included a reporters reference to a remark by Israels finance minister that "this decision ... continues to kill the idea of a Palestinian state." The spokesperson said the UN would not disagree that the decision has that effect but that the UN approaches the matter from a different perspective, focusing on legal and diplomatic avenues to preserve a negotiated settlement.

The spokesperson did not announce any new UN measures or formal penalties; he emphasized continued diplomatic engagement and urged other governments and actors to support efforts that preserve prospects for a negotiated two-state outcome.

The briefing did not provide an Israeli government response to the UN statement.

The UN said it would continue to monitor developments and to press for compliance with international law and relevant Security Council resolutions.