Israel – security fence to stay
Israel has said it will continue the construction of its security barrier in the West Bank, despite a new UN resolution demanding its removal.
On Tuesday, the UN General Assembly passed a resolution demanding that Israel “stop and reverse” the barrier’s construction.
The Assembly adopted the measure by a vote of 144 in favour, to 4 against, including the United States and Israel, with 12 abstentions.
Palestinians are opposed to the construction of the fence, dubbed the new “Berlin Wall”, viewing it as a veiled plan to extend Israeli territory
But Israel’s Deputy Prime Minister Ehud Olmert defended the fence’s construction, saying the fence built around two Jewish settlements – Ariel and Kedumim – was there to protect Jewish people from suicide bombers.
“Everything connected to Israel gets an automatic majority.
“The fence will continue to be built.
“We have to worry about Israel’s security and it is clear that we will not act according to the instructions of a hostile, automatic majority,” Mr Olmert said.
Chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat said the UN decision was a victory for peace.
He said: “The Israeli statement reflects an Israeli determination to continue violating international law and continue the path of occupation and settlement rather than peace and reconciliation.”
Separately, Israeli troops shot and killed three Palestinian militants in raids in the West Bank yesterday. Two Jewish settlers were wounded in skirmishes.
