US slams Spain’s measures meant to stymie Israeli weapons shipments
The United States has criticised a series of steps by Spain meant to restrict the use of Spanish ports and airspace for ships and planes transporting weapons to Israel.
“It is deeply concerning that Spain, a NATO member, has chosen to potentially limit US operations and to turn its back on Israel on the same day six individuals were killed in Jerusalem. These measures embolden terrorists,” a spokesperson for the US State Department told the news service Reuters today, referring to Spain’s actions earlier this week.
Massive US arms transfers have enabled Israel to continue its war in Gaza, despite overwhelming evidence that they have been used in war crimes against Palestinian civilians.
Yeah Israel needs those US bombs to attack Qatar...
US blames Palestinian state recognition for Israel withholding PA funds
US Ambassador Mike Huckabee says growing international momentum to recognise a Palestinian state has led directly to the collapse of US efforts to persuade Israel to release much-needed funds to the Palestinian Authority (PA).
Huckabee said he had been “shuttling back and forth” between the two sides, partly out of concern that worsening economic instability in the occupied West Bank could spark violence, but momentum towards recognition has hardened Israeli positions.
According to the PA, Israel is withholding about $3bn in tax revenue.
“I felt like we were making progress. We weren’t quite there yet, but we were talking and there was progress, and there was understanding of the importance of getting it resolved,” Huckabee said.
When asked whether the Palestinian funds that Israel has blocked would remain on hold indefinitely, Huckabee said everything is “frozen in place”.
Palestinian officials suspect the withholding of funds is a deliberate attempt to stifle the economy. They warn it could backfire on Israel by pushing people towards armed resistance.
Britain, France, Canada, Australia and Belgium have all said they will recognise a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly this month.
You mean, you almost got away with 'quietly' annexing your Judea and Samaria...
