UN Drafts Seek Formal Non-Recognition of Israeli West Bank Presence
Palestinian and European diplomats are negotiating resolutions to condemn the E1 settlement plan, with the EU failing to reach consensus after one week of consultations.
By Grace Anderson ·
Palestinian diplomats at the United Nations are working to draft a resolution that would formally declare the organization does not recognize Israel's presence in the West Bank. The draft measures, reported by Ynet on Friday, also call for an official condemnation of Israel's plans to construct in the E1 area.
The delegation is collaborating with European members to finalize the text. The proposals include UN commitments to protect Palestinian property and income sources in the territory. They also demand a policy of differentiation between the West Bank and the rest of Israel.
Israeli Ambassador Danny Danon labeled the efforts a diplomatic attack. He stated that the Palestinian delegation is attempting to exploit the current political situation to challenge Israel from the UN podium. Danon said the Israeli team is cooperating with allies to confront the move.
The EU's 27 member states failed to reach a consensus on supporting the resolutions after a week of internal consultations. Despite this lack of broad European backing, the Palestinian delegation is expected to consider bringing the drafts to a vote. The Israeli mission is working to soften the wording of the proposals and reduce the number of supporting countries.
The diplomatic activity occurs as the UN documents increased violence in the West Bank. In October, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs recorded at least 160 attacks on Palestinians by extremist settlers during the first two weeks of the olive harvest. The report noted that the Israel Defense Forces and border police protected settlers and on occasion participated in attacks against Palestinians and their property.
A separate UN Commission of Inquiry reported that nearly 500 Palestinians have been killed annually in the West Bank since 2022. This represents the highest number of deaths recorded since the UN began collecting such data in 2005. The commission also documented 1,431 Palestinians killed in Gaza following the 2025 ceasefire agreement.
UN acting Middle East peace envoy Ramiz Alakbarov told the Security Council in September that he strongly condemns the E1 settlement plan. He said the plan would sever the connection between the northern and southern West Bank and isolate east Jerusalem. Danon countered that Israel must remain in the room to counter accusations, urging more Israelis to apply for professional positions within the UN system.
