Global geopolitical Series: US threatens countries looking to oppose Jerusalem move at UN general assembly

Ahead of a United Nation’ General Assembly debate on President Trump’s move to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, the United States has warned those looking to oppose U.S. decision, that the United States stands ready to take names of its critics. On December 6th, Washington unilaterally recognized Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, a move that has been criticized by both allies like France, Britain, and France, foes like China and Russia. The decision also attracted dire criticism from many Muslim majority countries.

Earlier this week, the United States vetoed down a proposal from Egypt at United Nations’ Security Council (UNSC) that called on all states to refrain from recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. The vote, where all members except the United States voted in favor made it clear that the United States remain isolated in its decision to move the embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. After the vote, U.S. ambassador to the U.N. Nikki Haley called the united front against Washington an insult, which will not be forgotten.

After the U.S. veto, Palestine on Tuesday officially requested a rare special session of the U.N. general assembly (UNGA) on the status of the Jerusalem. Ahead of the UNGA on Thursday U.S. ambassador Nikki Haley warned against taking a stance against the U.S. decision. While A UNGA vote is not legally binding, it could show the U.S. isolation on the decision and the support for a two-state solution with Jerusalem being the capital of both Israel and Palestine. She wrote on Twitter, “At the UN we're always asked to do more & give more. So, when we make a decision, at the will of the American ppl, abt where to locate OUR embassy, we don't expect those we've helped to target us. On Thurs there'll be a vote criticizing our choice. The US will be taking names.”

This is a thin veiled warning to say that there will be repercussions for those who oppose the U.S. decision. In a letter to some countries, including key U.S. allies, Haley warned that “the president will be watching this vote carefully and has requested I report back on those countries who voted against us. We will take note of each and every vote on this issue.”