Shot In The Arm For Israel: US To Shut Down ‘Hostile’ Palestinian Liberation Organisation’s Mission In Washington

In a latest blow to the Palestinians, the United States (US) government on Monday (10 September) announced it's plan to close the Palestine Liberation Organisation's (PLO) mission in Washington reports Fox News.

The Trump administration has citied the Palestinian leaders’ alleged resistance for peace talks and lobbying for getting Israel prosecuted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) as the reason for the move.

Making the controversial announcement, National Security Adviser John Bolton said during a speech to the Federalist Society “The United States will always stand with our friend and ally, Israel. The Trump administration will not keep the office open when the Palestinians refuse to take steps to start direct and meaningful negotiations with Israel.”

“The United States supports a direct and robust peace process, and we will not allow the ICC, or any other organisation, to constrain Israel’s right to self-defence,” he added.

The US law has a provision which states that the government could shut down the PLO, if Palestinians try to get the ICC to prosecute Israel.

The move is expected to embarrass the already hostile Palestinians and give a set back to the peace process being brokered by Trump administration. The Palestinian leadership had earlier alleged the US for a pro-Israel stance.

Trump administration had earlier embarrassed the Palestinians when the US decided to move its embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to disputed Jerusalem.

Bolton also threatened the ICC to impose sanctions against it, if it investigates the U.S. and Israel. ‘ We will sanction their funds in the US financial system and prosecute them under the US law’.