UN Resolution 2334
Today’s Text: Zechariah 2:8
ACTION ALERT

It was the most animated I’d ever seen the soon to be former Secretary of State. John Kerry’s rant—castigating the State of Israel as a result of the passage of United Nations Resolution 2334 on December 28, 2016—was 70-plus minutes of nonsense.

His speech effectively took the knife of UN Resolution 2334 used to stab Israel in the back and inflicted a cruel twist. It was the official exposé of the lame-duck administration’s policy toward the State of Israel.

The Secretary of State obviously had not considered the biblical implications of his stance on Israel:

ZECHARIAH 2:8
For thus says the Lord of hosts: “He sent Me after glory, to the nations which plunder you; for he who touches you touches the apple of His eye.

For people of faith who grasp the implications of the text, there were at a minimum four specific arguments in the speech that do not stand up to scrutiny and demonstrate a clear anti-Israel bias.

NUMBER ONE:
  FALLACIES OF “THE TWO-STATE SOLUTION”

Secretary of State Kerry delivered the premise of his speech immediately following his opening remarks: “The two-state solution is the only way to achieve a just and lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians.” (1)

Promoting the two-state solution as the only path to peace not only fallaciously misrepresents the real source of the conflict, but also the historical record.

The past is frozen.

In 1947, the General Assembly of the United Nations voted to end the British Mandate and partitioned Palestine into two separate independent states—a Jewish state and an Arab state.

Jewish leaders accepted the partition plan; the Arab states resoundingly rejected it.

Map showing the borders of the British Mandate of Palestine after WW1; San Remo Conference 1920.

In point of fact, the Palestinians have rejected every offer of peace in subsequent negotiations with the same level of demonstrated contempt. (Details to follow in subsequent posts.)

The consistent, repeated and documented calls for the annihilation of the Jewish state make clear that the two-state solution is nothing more than wishful thinking on the part of political elites committed to an imposed peace regardless of civilian injury, loss of life and cost to Israel.

Since being reborn in 1948, the tiny nation of Israel has endured three wars of survival, two major intifadas and a virtual unending stream of terrorist attacks by Palestinian Arabs determined to annihilate the Jewish state.

The brutal murder of four IDF soldiers by a Hamas truck-ramming terrorist serves as the most recent bloody example.

Reality is irrefutable except to deniers and the willfully ignorant.

In response to Kerry’s remarks, PLO executive committee member Dr. Hanan Ashram argued John Kerry’s speech was, “too Zionist because it accepted the principle of Israel as a Jewish State. . . . We (Palestinian Liberation Organization) have refused and still refuse to say that Israel is a Jewish state.”(2)

Seeking to create yet another state populated by those who refuse to recognize Israel and consistently avow their determination to destroy God’s Chosen People will not engender peace, but will instead exacerbate the volatility in the region and make the security of Israel even more tenuous.

NUMBER TWO:
THE LUNACY OF “JEWISH OR DEMOCRATIC, NOT BOTH”

Near the mid-point of the monologue there was a collective gasp as viewers heard the Secretary of State announce with a straight face, albeit passionately, “if the choice is one state, Israel can either be Jewish or democratic—it cannot be both.”(3)

There is absolutely no logic in such a statement. Whatever else he may have seen on visits to the State of Israel, only a lunatic would fail to recognize that the modern land of God’s ancient people is unequivocally Jewish and democratic.

The statement is irrational. It is like saying Canada can be either Christian or democratic, but not both—the United States can either be Christian or democratic, but not both—England can either be Christian or democratic, but not both.

Surrounded by a sea of 57 totalitarian Islamic states that not only refuse to tolerate Judaism and Christianity, but actively work to eradicate any who espouse either from their midst, the State of Israel allows freedom of religion for all citizens including a significant Arab Muslim population. The minarets of local mosques are plainly visible in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Jaffa, Herzliya, Acre, Nazareth and Haifa, etc. In addition to their freedom to practice Islam, Palestinian Arabs also have freedom to own businesses, receive an education, serve in the IDF (Israel Defense Force) and Israeli government, including the Knesset—these freedoms are not available to Jewish people in any of their hostile neighboring countries.

Israel has profoundly demonstrated that the nation is most definitely both Jewish and democratic.

NUMBER THREE:
THE ABSURDITY OF “ILLEGAL SETTLEMENTS”

The Secretary of State repeatedly declared directly and indirectly that Israelis living east of the “green line” (Armistice Line of 1949) are violating international law. One must assume that the only reason for the repetition of such an absurd idea is to embed falsehood as fact in the minds of an unwitting audience.

Documented history is an open book.

First, international law does not prohibit Jewish Israelis from living in the area of Judea and Samaria commonly referred to as the West Bank. (4)

The 1920 San Remo Conference was an international confluence of the victorious allied powers following World War 1. Confirming the policy of the Balfour Declaration, the allies resolved that the area known as “Palestine” (the Roman’s derogatory name for the Jewish homeland) would be placed under British mandatory rule making Great Britain, “responsible for placing the country under such political, administrative and economic conditions as will secure the establishment of the Jewish national home.”(5)

Before the British Mandate was even implemented, however, Colonial Secretary Winston Churchill severed some 80 percent of the area allotted to the Jewish people for a homeland under the British Mandate of Palestine. Churchill alone is responsible for giving the land to Abdullah Hussein to create a new Arab emirate called Transjordan, now known as Jordan, thus creating a Palestinian state within the borders of the proposed Mandate for Israel.

Second, the term “West Bank” originated with Jordan’s illegal annexation of Judea and Samaria in 1950. The area was captured from Israel as the fledgling state was fighting for independence and very survival. As a result of the concerted attack against Israel by hostile neighbors, the Jewish residents of Judea and Samaria were forced to flee ahead of the invading armies. Those remaining were executed, ridding the annexed area of all Jewish residents.

Only two countries in the international community recognized the annexation; namely, Great Britain and Pakistan, but only Pakistan agreed to Jordan’s sovereignty over any part of Jerusalem. (6)

When the State of Israel recaptured the Mandate’s allotted land in 1967—in a defensive war with enemies determined to destroy it—the families of those driven from Judea and Samaria were the first to return to their deeded homes and historic Jewish villages. Further growth was tied to existing communities and unclaimed land.

Since the international community prior to 1967 recognized no sovereign control over the area, this land cannot be considered “occupied territory”, but rather “contested territory” (two parties claim ownership) under international law. In that regard, the Israelis and Palestinians are the only parties responsible to bilaterally determine the division of the contested territory.

Erroneous assumptions lead to devastating consequences.

Tellingly, the Secretary of State apparently made the erroneous assumption that the “West Bank” belongs to the Palestinians and proposes Jewish people leave the assumed Palestinian state because they would not, “agree to submit to Palestinian law in Palestine.”

In reality, Jewish people would not live in the proposed Palestinian state for the same reason they do not live in other Islamic states—they are driven out, persecuted and murdered.

Jewish communities in the heart of Israel’s historical and biblical homeland of Judea and Samaria are far from illegal—history documents they belong there!

NUMBER 4:
PREPOSTEROUS ASSERTION “ABSOLUTELY NOTHING NEW IN RESOLUTION 2334”

Secretary of State Kerry forcefully asserted that, “there was absolutely nothing new in Resolution 2334,” suggesting it was consistent with previous UN resolutions regarding the Palestinian conflict agreed to by the international community. (7)

Were the situation not so dangerously serious, the comment would be laughable. What was the point of forcing the resolution if it did nothing to change the status quo?

In reality, UN Resolution 2334 went on record declaring the UN’s position that territory Israel regained in 1967 is “occupied” versus “contested.”

It also clearly put in writing the preposterous notion that Jewish people living east of the defined 1949 Armistice lines are living in their legally purchased homes illegally. Plainly stated, according to 2334, Jewish communities built on ancestral homelands are considered occupiers.

Preposterously, Jewish people who have had a presence in the Old City of Jerusalem for three millennia are said to be living there illegally. The Temple Mount and Western Wall are now considered off limits to the Jewish people. Even the Jerusalem neighborhood of Gilo, home to more than 40,000 Jewish residents—an area purchased prior to World War 2 by a group of Jewish lawyers—is now deemed an illegal settlement under UN Resolution 2334.

A STINGING SLAP IN THE FACE

Some nations supporting Resolution 2334 presumably did so to send a stern message to Israel regarding so-called “settlement activity.” Reactionary backtracking would seem to indicate they were stunned when the United States slapped them in the face by abstaining rather than vetoing the resolution, as expected.

Unprepared for the U.S. abstention, heads of state have denounced Secretary of State Kerry’s speech and the policy of the U.S. State Department.

Unfortunately, this is not the end of the issue and people of faith need to be in concerted prayer and activism on behalf of the State of Israel.

On Thursday of this past week, I participated in the “Shame on the UN” rally in New York City to denounce resolution 2334 and demonstrate visible solidarity with Israel.

Charles E. McCracken participates in the SHAME ON THE UN event sponsored by the North American Coalition for Israel held in Manhattan, New York, January 12, 2017.

Many believe that the current administration will do all in its power to set in motion the process of establishing a Palestinian State before leaving office.

SHAME ON THE UN event sponsored by the North American Coalition for Israel held in Manhattan, New York, January 12, 2017.

Several experts warn that when French President Francois Holland convenes his Peace Summit in Paris on January 15, 2017, John Kerry’s speech may be unanimously ratified as summit policy.

My friend and journalist Caroline Glick forewarns that two days after the Paris Peace Summit, the policy statement could be accepted in a UN resolution to recognize a Palestinian state and begin the process of full membership. (8)

God clearly states there are consequences for those who trifle with His Chosen People by carving up the land He gave them as an eternal possession,

“I will also gather all nations, and bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat; and I will enter into judgment with them there on account of My people, My heritage Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations; they have also divided up My land” (Joel 3:2).

We cannot change the past actions of the U.S. State Department that operated contrary to the will of the American people as indicated by the recent election and policy precedent of the government of the United States.

As this scenario unfolds, however, and becomes more pronounced in the collective global conversation over the next few days, we, as people of faith, must fervently, “pray for the peace of Jerusalem” (Ps. 122:6).

We must boldly counter misinformation that will most certainly be included in the mix of fake news reporting. We must do all in our power to demonstrate tangible support for the Jewish people and the nation of Israel.

Now is not the time for people of faith to sit huddled together with hands folded, heads bowed and eyes closed intoning that we are to be “in the world and not of the world” while nations convene in Paris for the purpose of shackling Israel.

Failure to speak and act on behalf of Israel is the reticence of complicity.

Rev. Charles E. McCracken. Biblically Authentic – Standing with Israel.

Charles E. McCracken is an international Bible teacher, long-time friend of Israel and advocate for the Jewish people. Rev. McCracken is known for authenticity in communicating biblical truth making his presentations relevant for those seeking to understand the significance of Israel and the church in Bible prophecy. He staunchly supports the nation of Israel and the Jewish people’s right to exist and live in peace.

© Charles E. McCracken 2016, devotional comments only. Repost/Reprint with permission from the author via Contact Form under ABOUT. Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved. (Emphasis added.)

ENDNOTES:
1) John Kerry, Remarks on Middle East Peace, Secretary of State Office Transcript, December 23, 2016.
2) Joel B. Pollak, PALESTINIANS REJECT JOHN KERRY’S TWO-STATE SOLUTION, breitbart.com, January 5, 2017.
3) Kerry, Remarks on Middle East Peace.
4) Dore Gold, FROM “OCCUPIED TERRITORIES” TO “DISPUTED TERRITORIES”, Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs, January 16, 2002.
5) Mandate for Palestine, Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs, July 24, 1922.
6) “1948-1967: Jordanian Occupation of East Jerusalem”, CAMERA Committee for Accuracy in Middle East Reporting in America.
7) Kerry, Remarks on Middle East Peace.
8) Caroline Glick, Obama and Israel, strike and counterstrike, carolineglick.com, December 30, 2016.

IMAGE CREDITS:
1) SHAME ON THE UN event sponsored by the North American Coalition for Israel held in Manhattan, New York, January 12, 2017. Author’s archives – Enhancement: MKM Portfolios
2) Map showing the borders of the British Mandate of Palestine after WW1; San Remo Conference 1920. [GNU Free Documentation License], via Wikimedia Commons – Enhancement: MKM Portfolios
3) Charles E. McCracken participates in the SHAME ON THE UN event sponsored by the North American Coalition for Israel held in Manhattan, New York, January 12, 2017. Author’s archives – Enhancement: MKM Portfolios
4) SHAME ON THE UN event sponsored by the North American Coalition for Israel held in Manhattan, New York, January 12, 2017. Author’s archives – Enhancement: MKM Portfolios

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