Palestinian Approaches to International Organizations

We believe that the Palestinians have the right to join international organizations, institutions and conventions that welcome them, including as a member state. Given the precarious prospects for achieving the two-state outcome essential to Israel’s survival as a democratic homeland for the Jewish people, we believe Palestinian participation in such fora helps to bolster international support for a resolution to the conflict, resulting in a Palestinian state alongside Israel while helpfully obligating the Palestinians to adhere to the responsibilities of statehood in key areas such as security, governance and human rights.

J Street is very concerned about the continuing bias against Israel that sometimes surfaces in international fora. At the same time, we reject the notion that the Palestinians seeking to participate in international organizations is an attempt to delegitimize Israel, or that their participation somehow represents a form of attack. Seeking membership or other status in international fora is a peaceful, non-violent move that affirms international law – in stark contrast to the actions of Hamas, Islamic Jihad and other terror organizations.

Accordingly, we believe the United States should no longer use its voice or vote to oppose Palestinian participation or membership in international organizations. We also vehemently oppose efforts to punish the PLO or the Palestinian Authority for seeking a state or increased status at such entities. At a time when the United States should be looking for ways to encourage and deepen diplomacy, retaliation against the Palestinians for lawful, non-violent moves harms the prospects for progress, isolates the United States and undermines international law.

J Street believes that US laws to restrict US contributions to United Nations specialized agencies that grant Palestinians full membership status should be rescinded. American disengagement from UN-affiliated agencies that Palestinians may join in the future – including the World Intellectual Property Organization, the International Civil Aviation Organization and the International Atomic Energy Agency – would only undermine the United States’ economy and security, giving autocratic states that do not share our interests greater influence in international affairs.

While cases brought against Israel or Israelis in the the International Court of Justice or the International Criminal Court are deeply saddening to us as supporters of Israel, attempts to delegitimize or sanction these tribunals or their officers should be rejected as moves that dangerously undermine US interests and the rule of law at a time when the rules-based international system is under increasing attack.