The dramatic significance of preventing Mahmoud Abbas from entering the UN General Assembly in the US
Yoni Ben Menachem argues that the US decision to prevent Mahmoud Abbas from physically attending the UN General Assembly has dramatic significance, as a physical speech on the stage has much more impact than a video speech. He recalls Abbas's 2015 speech, which he claims encouraged the Knife Intifada.
Commentator Yoni Ben Menachem was interviewed this morning on Channel 14 and addressed the US decision to prevent Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas from physically attending the UN General Assembly in New York. According to him, the American move has dramatic significance, as a physical speech from the Assembly podium has much more impact than a video speech. Ben Menachem recalled Abbas's 2015 speech at the Assembly, which he claims encouraged the Knife Intifada and accused Israel of intending to divide the Temple Mount. The interview is linked to the US decision to extend visa sanctions on senior Palestinian Authority and PLO officials, days before the General Assembly convenes. The article presents Ben Menachem's remarks without opposing voices or broader US policy analysis.