UNSC MIDDLE EAST CONSULTATIONS: FRUSTRATED BY LACK

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 USUN NEW YORK 000433 SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/24/2019 TAGS: PREL UNSC KWBG KPAL IS PA LE SY EG IR SUBJECT: UNSC MIDDLE EAST CONSULTATIONS: FRUSTRATED BY LACK OF PROGRESS, ANXIOUS ABOUT NEW ISRAELI GOVERNMENT Classified By: Ambassador Wolff, For Reasons 1.4 (b) and (d) ¶1. (C) Summary: Lynn Pascoe, Under Secretary-General for Political Affairs, on April 20 briefed Council members on the situation in the Middle East in a public session before the Council moved to closed consultations. Pascoe focused most of his presentation on the situation in Gaza, and noted particular concern with Israel's border closures, which are hampering reconstruction, and Israeli settlement expansion and related violence in the West Bank. Regarding broader regional issues, Pascoe recalled Egypt's announcement of an active Hizballah cell within its borders and the improvement of diplomatic ties between Lebanon and Syria. Compared with many previous Council debates on the Middle East, most members gave muted presentations calling for easing restrictions on goods entering Gaza and an end to settlement expansion, expressing concern over the new Israeli government's perceived lack of commitment to the peace process, and dismay at the lack of progress on intra-Palestinian dialogue despite Egypt's efforts. Many Council members said they looked forward to hearing the Board of Inquiry's conclusions about Israel's alleged attacks on UN property and personnel. End summary. ¶2. (SBU) Under Secretary-General for Political Affairs Lynn Pascoe on April 20 briefed the Security Council in a public session of the monthly Middle East meeting. He began by indicating very little progress had taken place on the key elements outlined in Security Council resolution 1860--the commitment of the parties to a durable cease-fire, opening of crossings for humanitarian access and materials for recovery, and intra-Palestinian reconciliation. He said the cease-fire is fragile and noted that Egyptian police on April 10 found 900kg of explosives near the border with Gaza and arrested 18 people for allegedly smuggling weapons and cash into Gaza. Pascoe said that the "lack of access to Gaza is deeply frustrating." He voiced concern that humanitarian assistance and early recovery is impossible without Israel providing adequate entry of fuel, cash and materials needed for repairs of schools, clinics, sanitation networks and shelters. Israel's total ban on the import of petrol and diesel has continued since November 2, 2008 excepting for small quantities delivered to UNRWA, which according to Pascoe, leads to intermittent power cuts. ¶3. (SBU) Pascoe reported that settlement activity continues in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, noting that "major construction is underway" in three settlement blocs surrounding East Jerusalem to the north, east and south. He said ten Palestinians were killed in the West Bank and 95 were injured in clashes with the IDF and Israeli settlers. These incidents included "seven violent attacks" in which Israeli settlers targeted Palestinians and their property, though this was a decline from 26 incidents the previous period. ¶4. (SBU) Pascoe noted Egypt's announcement of the arrests in November 2008 of 49 persons, led by an alleged member of Hizballah, and he expressed grave concern at external interference on sovereign Egyptian territory. Moving to Lebanon, Pascoe said the overall situation remained stable during the reporting period. He further noted the arrival of the first Syrian ambassador to Lebanon, and he said the Lebanese ambassador to Syria "arrived today." Unanimous Call to Ease Border Restrictions to Gaza, and Requests to Cease Settlement Activity -------------- -------------- ¶5. (C) All Council members called on Israel to ease border restrictions into Gaza to allow for the entry of humanitarian and reconstruction goods. The Costa Rican Counselor regretted that $4.5 billion in aid pledges to Gaza had not translated into real improvements for the people of Gaza, and Israel's continued restrictions on building materials and cash will "create the conditions where an underground economy flourishes." The Croatian Charge d'Affairs noted that Gaza remains in dire need of reconstruction assistance, that a stable and secure environment is impossible without building materials. Ambassador Wolff said the U.S. engages the government of Israel on a daily basis on the volume and range of humanitarian items and workers entering Gaza. However, he said the smuggling of weapons into Gaza constitutes a serious and immediate threat to regional peace and security and called on regional actors to prevent it. The Austrian Perm Rep said the smuggling issue presents a dilemma: although the smuggling of arms into Gaza is a concern, the tunnels also serve as a lifeline to Palestinians in Gaza as long as Israel USUN NEW Y 00000433 002 OF 002 keeps its borders closed. ¶6. (C) The UK Political Coordinator said the key issue undermining confidence was Israel's expanding settlements. He called on Israel to demolish any settlements erected since ¶2001. The French Perm Rep said Israel must make a strong gesture now and stop its settlement activity. The Mexican Perm Rep remarked that his government condemned Israel's settlement activity, which contravenes Israel's various commitments. The Croatian Charge d'Affairs said Croatia joined the other delegations in calling for Israel to dismantle its settlements. The Chinese delegate "expressed profound sympathy with the people in the West Bank," reiterating that settlement activity is unhelpful and damaging to the peace process. Skepticism with Israel's New Government -------------- ¶7. (C) The Turkish Perm Rep said the new Israeli government has so far shown no commitment to a two-state solution, and he urged the government to accept that formula. He said the lack of confidence between Israelis and Palestinians during the past two months was alarming and cited "Jewish provocation" on Islamic holy sites as a factor. Nonetheless, he said he is still optimistic with the engagement of the U.S. and the appointment of Senator Mitchell. The Mexican Perm Rep said he "noted with concern" statements made by the new Israeli government about its commitment to the peace process. The Libyan Deputy Perm Rep remarked that the new Israeli government seems indifferent to international law as if "they themselves decided the fate of the Palestinian people." The UK Political Coordinator urged Prime Minister Netanyahu to adhere to the two-state solution and agree to the 1967 borders. Despite general skepticism with the Israeli government's apparent lack of commitment to its agreements, the Russian Perm Rep said the first statement by Netanyahu was "promising in principle." No Progress on Intra-Palestinian Dialogue -------------- ¶8. (C) Most delegations echoed Pascoe's assessment that, although essential for progress in the peace process and development, intra-Palestinian reconciliation had not moved forward. The French Perm Rep urged progress on Palestinian reconciliation and said the Palestinians have to speak with one voice. The Croatian Charge d'Affairs said that while Palestinian reconciliation is indispensable, the Palestinian Authority (PA) must have the center role in representing Palestinians. Most Council members praised Egypt for its efforts at trying to broker a deal between the PA and Hamas. Gaza Board of Inquiry -------------- ¶9. (C) Nearly all of the fifteen Council members noted that they were looking forward to hearing from the Secretary-General about the Gaza Board of Inquiry's conclusions on Israel's alleged attacks on UN property and personnel. Rice