The New York Declaration, set for adoption on Sept. 22, has ignited controversy over its anti-Israel provisions, which could dismantle Trump’s Abraham Accords. The U.N. document, supported by France and Saudi Arabia, includes demands such as a Palestinian state before mutual recognition, a ‘right of return’ for Palestinians, and an arms embargo on Israel. The article criticizes the United States’ allies for allegedly undermining the president’s foreign policy success, which normalized Arab-Israeli relations. The document also calls for the arrest and prosecution of Israelis globally and conditions the release of hostages on Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza. Critics argue that the Declaration fails to address Jewish history and ant-Semitism, which they claim are central to the Arab-Israeli conflict.
The New York Declaration, which emerged from a U.N. conference in July, has been criticized for its 30 pages of anti-Israel rhetoric and its reinterpretation of the October 7, 2023 attacks. The document frames the events as a political victory for Palestinians, despite the massive loss of life and the subsequent hostage crisis. It demands a Palestinian state before mutual recognition of Israel, a ‘right of return’ for Palestinians, and a fully armed Palestinian state. The Declaration would also impose an arms embargo on Israel, effectively robbing the country of its self-defense capabilities. Additionally, it proposes a global campaign to arrest and prosecute Israelis, which critics argue is a dangerous escalation.
The United States, under President Trump, is presented as a potential target for retaliation. The article suggests that the president could respond by canceling his appearance at the U.N. General Assembly on Sept. 23 or by refusing to fund U.N. activities that contradict American interests. It also recommends applying sanctions to the signatories of the Declaration, warning that impunity for these states could endanger U.S. national security. The article frames the Declaration as a form of multilateral bullying and urges the U.S. to take decisive action to protect its foreign policy goals.
Despite the criticism, the article acknowledges the potential diplomatic and security repercussions of the Declaration. It highlights the significant role of U.S. allies in the U.N. and their willingness to challenge Trump’s foreign policy legacy. The piece concludes with a call to action, urging the U.S. to assert its influence and safeguard American interests in the Middle East. The article emphasizes the urgency of the situation, warning that failure to respond could have severe consequences for global stability and the security of U.S. interests.