By Phalapoem editor, 4/12/2024
For decades, the United States has wielded its veto power in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to shield Israel from accountability and obstruct justice for Palestinians. This pattern of vetoes, often in response to resolutions condemning Israeli actions or supporting Palestinian rights, has played a significant role in prolonging the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and enabling Israel’s continued violations of international law.
Since 1972, the U.S. has used its veto power more than 50 times on issues related to Israel and Palestine. These vetoes have blocked resolutions that addressed critical issues, including illegal settlements in the West Bank, military aggression in Gaza, and the recognition of Palestinian statehood. Each veto represents not just a vote against the resolution itself but a broader message of complicity and indifference toward Palestinian suffering.
Examples of Notable U.S. Vetoes
1. 1982: Condemning Israel’s Invasion of Lebanon
The U.S. vetoed a resolution condemning Israel’s invasion of Lebanon and its targeting of Palestinian refugees in the Sabra and Shatila massacres. The veto effectively excused acts of mass violence and reinforced Israel’s impunity on the international stage.
2. 2011: Condemning Israeli Settlements
A UNSC resolution declaring Israeli settlements in the West Bank illegal and demanding a halt to their expansion was vetoed by the Obama administration. This veto came despite overwhelming international consensus and even criticism from U.S. allies. It signaled a refusal to challenge Israel’s expansionist policies, which remain a central obstacle to peace.
3. 2017: Recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s Capital
After President Trump unilaterally declared Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, the UNSC proposed a resolution rejecting this recognition. The U.S. vetoed the resolution, isolating itself internationally and undermining its role as a neutral broker in the peace process.
The Impact of U.S. Vetoes
These vetoes have had far-reaching consequences:
• Undermining International Law: By blocking resolutions that call for Israel to adhere to international law, the U.S. has effectively allowed Israel to operate above the law. Illegal settlements, collective punishment, and the blockade of Gaza continue without meaningful consequences.
• Perpetuating Palestinian Oppression: The vetoes have denied Palestinians justice, accountability, and recognition on the world stage. They have emboldened Israel to pursue policies of displacement, land theft, and military aggression without fear of international repercussions.
• Eroding U.S. Credibility: The U.S.’s unwavering support for Israel, even in the face of documented human rights violations, has tarnished its reputation as a defender of democracy and human rights. This double standard fuels anti-American sentiment globally and undermines U.S. legitimacy in mediating conflicts elsewhere.
• Stalling Peace Efforts: By consistently siding with Israel, the U.S. has sabotaged numerous opportunities for progress in the peace process. Palestinian aspirations for statehood and self-determination remain unfulfilled, while the conflict deepens.
A Pattern of Bias and Complicity
The U.S.’s repeated use of its veto power in favor of Israel highlights a clear bias rooted in geopolitical interests, domestic political pressure, and the influence of pro-Israel lobbying groups like AIPAC. While many American officials justify these vetoes as support for an ally, they fail to acknowledge the human cost of enabling Israel’s occupation and aggression.
The Need for Accountability
The U.S.’s veto record on Palestine represents a moral and political failure. It is a stark reminder that justice and international law are often subordinated to political expediency and strategic alliances. To foster a just and lasting peace, the international community must hold all parties accountable, including Israel, and challenge the U.S.’s role in perpetuating this unjust status quo.
The question remains: How long will the world allow a single nation’s veto to block justice and deny the Palestinian people their fundamental rights? The answer lies in the collective will of the global community to confront this imbalance and demand an end to the era of unaccountable power.