NETHERLANDS/UNGA: LIKELY ABSTENTION ON ANTI-ISRAEL

C O N F I D E N T I A L THE HAGUE 000983

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/24/2018
TAGS: PREL UNGA EU IS NL
SUBJECT: NETHERLANDS/UNGA: LIKELY ABSTENTION ON ANTI-ISRAEL
RESOLUTIONS

REF: A. SECSTATE 123081

B. PARIS 2141

Classified By: Political & Economic Affairs Counselor Andrew C. Mann fo
r reasons 1.5(b,d)


1. (SBU) SUMMARY: The Dutch will likely follow the EU
position and abstain on the anti-Israel resolutions at the UN
General Assembly. The Dutch noted their strong relations
with Israel, and urged active U.S. engagement on the Middle
East Peace Process. END SUMMARY.


2. (SBU) On November 21, POLOFF delivered reftel points to
MFA contacts David Zeverijn, senior policy adviser in the
Middle East department, Marc Verschuur, Acting Director for
Political and Legal Affairs in the UN and IFIs Department,
and Meline Arakelian, policy adviser for human rights. In a
follow-up discussion, Zeverijn stated the Dutch would likely
follow the EU position and abstain. The MFA has instructed
the Dutch delegation in New York to work for "evenhandedness"
and to avoid inflammatory language in resolutions on Israel.
In addition, the Dutch agree the number of Israel resolutions
should be reduced. These priorities will be balanced with
Dutch support for solidarity with the EU.


3. (C) More generally, Zeverijn has noted less diplomatic
activity on the part of Israel, both in New York and in the
Hague. Zeverijn suggests this reflects Israeli understanding
that they have Dutch support, and also to a decision in New
York to "pick their battles." Verschuur suggested the Israel
resolutions were now "almost a ritual." On the other hand,
Zeverijn thought this year's resolutions were "somewhat
softer," reflecting the influence of the Palestinians rather
than other Arabs. For future UNGAs, Zeverijn and Verschuur
expected the same results. "We're spectators not actors." A
peace agreement or a stronger Palestine might help resolve
the issue.


4. (C) Regarding Dutch-Israeli relations, Zeverijn noted that
during recent bilateral consultations, FM Livni had given the
Dutch delegation a letter for FM Verhagen, expressing her
appreciation for the strong Dutch support at the Human Rights
Council and at the UN. Arakelian noted that the Dutch had
helped defeat UNGA amendments regarding "the occupation"
proposed by the Organization for the Islamic Conference, most
recently during consideration of the extrajudicial killings
resolution on November 24.


5. (C) Asked about the role of Washington in the months
ahead, Zeverijn urged "rapid engagement on the ground" by in
the incoming U.S. administration, "to avoid a repeat of eight
years ago." Engagement might included action by the new
Secretary of State or by a new Special Envoy for the Middle
East. The West will also need to prepare for the new Israeli
government.
CULBERTSON