For the first time since the war began, the UN Security Council has adopted a resolution demanding an immediate cease-fire in Gaza for the remaining duration of Ramadan. The resolution also calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all Israeli hostages, as well as respecting detainees’ rights and lifting barriers on humanitarian assistance. The resolution passed with the support of 14 countries, while the United States abstained from voting. It’s worth noting that the decision was not made under Chapter Seven of the UN Charter but is formulated as a binding demand and not as a recommendation. It is unclear from the language of the decision whether the demands for a temporary ceasefire and the release of the hostages are interconnected.
The American administration immediately clarified that the resolution was “not binding” and should not be seen as a change in the US position. According to the administration, the resolution indirectly connects the ceasefire to the release of the hostages, even though this was not explicitly stated in the resolution. The administration’s decision to abstain from the vote and allow the resolution to pass is driven by a desire to ensure the Security Council remains a relevant body. Moreover, the resolution can also be seen as part of the Americans’ broader effort to facilitate a hostage deal that would lead to a ceasefire lasting several weeks, during which the United States can advance its agenda for the “day after” the war. Additionally, this decision is intended to send a message to Israel that its disregard of the US reservations comes at a cost. While an alleged violation by Israel of the resolution would not automatically lead to sanctions, as this requires another resolution, which the United States is likely to veto. Nevertheless, such accusations will likely be used in legal and political campaigns, including judicial proceedings worldwide and in efforts to exert pressure on governments to refrain from supporting Israel in its war and to take measures against Israel.
The continued public clash between the Israeli and American leaderships—including Prime Minister Netanyahu’s strict interpretation of the resolution contrary to the US position (and to Israel’s interest) and the decision to cancel, at least for the time being, the Israeli delegation’s scheduled visit to Washington—harms the ability of the two countries to conduct a discussion in a proper and practical atmosphere. The Biden administration emphasized that it was “surprised and disappointed” by the decision to cancel the delegation’s visit, while its spokesperson claimed that the decision was due to internal Israeli political considerations.
However, the main discord between the two countries is not around the UN Security Council resolution; rather, it revolves around Israel’s intention to carry out a military operation in Rafah. The Biden administration is firmly opposed to a broad military operation, and Vice President Kamala Harris has made it clear that such an operation would be a huge mistake. When asked about the possibility that Israel could face consequences from the United States, Harris stated that nothing is being ruled out. The administration had planned to present the Israeli delegation alternative measures to achieve its goals against Hamas without having to resort to a large-scale military operation. US spokespersons now claim that Netanyahu was seeking an excuse to avoid sending the delegation. This issue will likely be discussed during Defense Minister Gallant’s visit to Washington, which was not cancelled.
The latest developments suggest that Washington is growing impatient with Israel’s behavior. The breakdown of the possibility of a hostage deal and Israel’s independent action in Rafah, without coordination with the Biden administration, could prove to be a turning point in the US–Israel relationship. It may lead the administration to adopt significant forms of pressure against Israel, both politically and militarily, that go beyond the current decision to abstain in the UN Security Council.
For the first time since the war began, the UN Security Council has adopted a resolution demanding an immediate cease-fire in Gaza for the remaining duration of Ramadan. The resolution also calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all Israeli hostages, as well as respecting detainees’ rights and lifting barriers on humanitarian assistance. The resolution passed with the support of 14 countries, while the United States abstained from voting. It’s worth noting that the decision was not made under Chapter Seven of the UN Charter but is formulated as a binding demand and not as a recommendation. It is unclear from the language of the decision whether the demands for a temporary ceasefire and the release of the hostages are interconnected.
The American administration immediately clarified that the resolution was “not binding” and should not be seen as a change in the US position. According to the administration, the resolution indirectly connects the ceasefire to the release of the hostages, even though this was not explicitly stated in the resolution. The administration’s decision to abstain from the vote and allow the resolution to pass is driven by a desire to ensure the Security Council remains a relevant body. Moreover, the resolution can also be seen as part of the Americans’ broader effort to facilitate a hostage deal that would lead to a ceasefire lasting several weeks, during which the United States can advance its agenda for the “day after” the war. Additionally, this decision is intended to send a message to Israel that its disregard of the US reservations comes at a cost. While an alleged violation by Israel of the resolution would not automatically lead to sanctions, as this requires another resolution, which the United States is likely to veto. Nevertheless, such accusations will likely be used in legal and political campaigns, including judicial proceedings worldwide and in efforts to exert pressure on governments to refrain from supporting Israel in its war and to take measures against Israel.
The continued public clash between the Israeli and American leaderships—including Prime Minister Netanyahu’s strict interpretation of the resolution contrary to the US position (and to Israel’s interest) and the decision to cancel, at least for the time being, the Israeli delegation’s scheduled visit to Washington—harms the ability of the two countries to conduct a discussion in a proper and practical atmosphere. The Biden administration emphasized that it was “surprised and disappointed” by the decision to cancel the delegation’s visit, while its spokesperson claimed that the decision was due to internal Israeli political considerations.
However, the main discord between the two countries is not around the UN Security Council resolution; rather, it revolves around Israel’s intention to carry out a military operation in Rafah. The Biden administration is firmly opposed to a broad military operation, and Vice President Kamala Harris has made it clear that such an operation would be a huge mistake. When asked about the possibility that Israel could face consequences from the United States, Harris stated that nothing is being ruled out. The administration had planned to present the Israeli delegation alternative measures to achieve its goals against Hamas without having to resort to a large-scale military operation. US spokespersons now claim that Netanyahu was seeking an excuse to avoid sending the delegation. This issue will likely be discussed during Defense Minister Gallant’s visit to Washington, which was not cancelled.
The latest developments suggest that Washington is growing impatient with Israel’s behavior. The breakdown of the possibility of a hostage deal and Israel’s independent action in Rafah, without coordination with the Biden administration, could prove to be a turning point in the US–Israel relationship. It may lead the administration to adopt significant forms of pressure against Israel, both politically and militarily, that go beyond the current decision to abstain in the UN Security Council.