Israel bashes Germany for promoting anti-Israel UNESCO resolution

Amid already-tense relations between the two countries, Israel is now accusing Germany of enabling the passing of an anti-Israel UNESCO resolution. 

Israeli officials are blaming Germany for leading an effort to push forward an upcoming resolution by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) that rejects Israeli sovereignty over Jerusalem.

Germany has apparently garnered support among European countries for a revised resolution, submitted by Algeria, Morocco, Egypt, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar and Sudan. With the European Union countries now expected to vote in favor, the resolution is almost certain to pass.

The initial draft text, introduced by Arab states in March, opposes Israeli control over its capital by declaring that “any actions taken by Israel, the Occupying Power, to impose its laws, jurisdiction, and administration on the City of Jerusalem, are illegal and therefore null and void and have no validity whatsoever.”

While recognizing “the importance of the Old City of Jerusalem and its walls for the three monotheistic religions,” it reportedly calls to reaffirm prior texts referencing the sites only by their Muslim names.

The members of UNESCO’s executive board are expected to vote on the resolution on Tuesday, which falls this year on Israel’s Independence Day.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu canceled a meeting last week with German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel, who had insisted on keeping his appointment with two anti-Israel NGOs during his visit to the Jewish state.

By: World Israel News Staff