The United States is reportedly lobbying countries globally to avoid attending a UN conference next week co-sponsored by France and Saudi Arabia, aimed at discussing a two-state solution for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This information comes from a US diplomatic cable obtained by Reuters.
The cable, circulated to various governments on Tuesday, explicitly warns against taking any “anti-Israel actions.” It states that Washington would interpret attendance at the conference as a direct contradiction of US foreign policy objectives. This stance highlights the complexities and sensitivities surrounding the long-standing conflict.
France, a permanent member of the UN Security Council and a NATO ally of the US, and Saudi Arabia, a key US partner in the Middle East, are co-hosting the event in New York from June 17 to 20. The conference comes at a crucial time, as tensions remain high in the region.
According to Reuters, the cable stated, “We are urging governments not to participate in the conference, which we view as counterproductive to ongoing, life-saving efforts to end the war in Gaza and free hostages.”
The US position is that any steps toward unilaterally recognizing a Palestinian state would be detrimental to the peace process. The cable argues that such actions would introduce significant legal and political barriers to resolving the conflict and could potentially coerce Israel during wartime, thereby inadvertently supporting its adversaries.
France has been advocating for the recognition of a Palestinian state by the UK and other European allies at the conference. However, reports from Middle East Eye indicate that the US has cautioned Britain and France against such a move. Conversely, Arab states have been encouraging them to proceed.
Prior to the conference, UN member states engaged in consultations, during which the Arab Group strongly urged states to recognize Palestinian statehood, further highlighting the deep divisions and varied perspectives on this sensitive issue. The US stance underscores its continued support for Israel and its opposition to unilateral actions that could complicate the peace process.