Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu on Tuesday, convened his forum of 9 ministers to discuss the possibility of the PA (Palestinian Authority) turning to the United Nations General Assembly seeking observer nation status.

The daily Yisrael HaYom quotes a “senior political source” as confirming a decision was not reached as to how Israel will react to such a move, but it was decided that if the PA acts unilaterally, Israel will respond unilaterally as well.

Israel will first seek to persuade allied nations not to approve such a move based on the fact it will do more harm than good. Israel is aware that if the matter is brought to the General Assembly, the PA will have a majority and such a reality will compel a harsh Israeli response.

A number of possible reactions were discussed, including adopting the Edmond Levy Settlement Report, but a final decision will most likely be made by the prime minister.

Former Supreme Court Justice Edmond Levy headed the committee of legal experts that delved into the issue of the yishuvim throughout Yehuda and Shomron and they status according to international law, recommending the state legalize many of the communities that are classified as outposts today.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)