ISRAEL'S PRESENTATION FOR UNRWA AT 60

C O N F I D E N T I A L TEL AVIV 001895 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/31/2019 TAGS: PREL PREF UNGA IS KPAL SUBJECT: ISRAEL'S PRESENTATION FOR UNRWA AT 60 REF: STATE 90252 Classified By: Deputy Chief of Mission Luis G. Moreno, Reason 1.4 (b) ( d) ¶1. (C) PolCouns delivered reftel demarche to MFA Deputy Director General for the UN and International Organization Evyatar Manor August 31. PolCouns reviewed U.S. efforts in support of Israel's request for a speaking role at the UNRWA at 60 event, and stressed our view that if Israel is invited to speak, it should focus strictly on a constructive focus on UNRWA's humanitarian role. PolCouns noted that while the U.S. shares some of Israel's concerns about UNRWA making political statements, we believed this would not be the appropriate venue for the Israelis to make this point. ¶2. (C) Manor expressed appreciation for U.S. efforts in support of Israel's speaking request. He said they understand this will be a ceremonial event and that their intent is for the Israeli contribution to be in tune with the nature of the event. That said, Manor insisted that Israel has substantive concerns about the politicization of UNRWA and that Israeli public opinion will not understand if the Israeli statement does not note these concerns. The statement that they are considering would be positive and constructive with regard to UNRWA's humanitarian role, but it would also express concern at politicization. Manor suggested that if Israel is invited to speak and does not make a point about politicization, it may harm Israel's position in the future since if the Israeli statement at this event is strictly positive, it could undermine the credibility of future Israeli complaints. Manor nonetheless said they would take our points on board and get back to us after reviewing their position. ¶3. (C) Comment: Given our substantive differences on their remarks and the GOI's need to work closely with the U.S. in the UNGA, it is possible that they may decide to drop their request to speak at the UNRWA at 60 event. ********************************************* ******************** Visit Embassy Tel Aviv's Classified Website: http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/nea/telaviv ********************************************* ******************** CUNNINGHAM