Egypt 'caves' to Israeli pressure, pulling UN settlements resolution

"The government of Egypt has decided to nix its plan to proceed with a resolution at the UN Security Council condemning Israel over its settlement activity, a Western diplomatic source told The Jerusalem Post on Thursday.

Egypt's Fattah al-Sisi had introduced the draft on Wednesday evening, and the Council planned a vote for Thursday at 3:00 pm EST.

But 'President Sisi caved to Israeli pressure,' the source said. 'This is a resolution that the Egyptians spearheaded and introduced, only to shelve it under Israeli pressure.'

The resolution would demand Israel 'immediately and completely cease all settlement activities in Palestinian territory, including east Jerusalem.'...

In a statement early on Thursday morning, Israeli Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon criticized the resolution, especially in light of conflicts in the region. 'It is bizarre that while thousands are being slaughtered in Syria,' he wrote, 'the Security Council dedicates time specifically to discuss the condemnation of the sole democracy in the Middle East [Israel].'...

Also on Thursday, former Israeli ambassador to the UN Dore Gold said if the Security Council adopts the Egyptian-backed anti-settlement resolution, Israel will likely be faced with a rejuvenated boycott, sanctions and divestment (BDS) effort around the world.

'What this resolution will do is leave in its wake a number of initiatives in the NGO community that will require governments taking legal measures to restrict the actions of NGOs who really want to advance a boycott and divestment agenda,' he said."