"We're not going anywhere": Israel's sharp message at the UN Security Council

In a special UN Security Council session, Israel presented its position on Judea and Samaria. Israeli Ambassador Danny Danon attacked the use of the term "settler violence," arguing it places collective responsibility on an entire public. UN data was presented on over 1,400 incidents involving settlers and the advancement of about 12,360 housing units. European countries warned against de facto annexation and considering further steps.

In a special UN Security Council session, Israeli Ambassador Danny Danon presented Israel's position on Judea and Samaria. Danon attacked the use of the term "settler violence," which he says places collective responsibility on an entire public for the actions of a radical minority. He said: "When it comes to Israelis, the Council places a stain on an entire public. When Palestinians carry out attacks, it refers only to the terrorists themselves. This is not justice, it is prejudice." He said Israel condemns violence by Jews and operates the police against its perpetrators, and claimed that the scope of attacks by Israeli extremists is declining, while the number of Palestinian terror attacks is rising. The session presented UN data on more than 1,400 incidents involving settlers and the advancement of about 12,360 housing units in Judea and Samaria. Some $431 million was also allocated to support the establishment of settlements. Britain noted that in July, 13 Palestinians and two Israelis were killed. European countries warned against de facto annexation and considering further steps. The American representative rejected the claim that Israel allows violent settlers to operate without interference and clarified that Washington opposes annexation. Part of the session was devoted to harm to children, and the UNICEF representative described the consequences of military activity on Palestinian children. Danon's claim of a decline in attacks left a factual question, as other data indicate an increase, but full data were not presented. The session reflected a widening dispute between Israel and UN member states.