I am puzzled at British Prime Minister Theresa May's condemnation of John Kerry's anti-Israel speech:
We do not believe that the way to negotiate peace is by focusing on only one issue, in this case the construction of settlements, when clearly the conflict between the Israelis and the Palestinians is so deeply complex.
But we are also clear that the settlements are far from the only problem in this conflict. In particular, the people of Israel deserve to live free from the threat of terrorism, with which they have had to cope for too long.
We do not believe that it is appropriate to attack the composition of the democratically-elected government of an ally.
I agree with the substance of May's statement, but her criticism of Kerry is undermined by her government's support for UN Security Council Resolution 2334 in the first place. The resolution focuses on only one issue namely settlements. Their support for the resolution and failure to veto it precludes any negotiation between the Israelis and Palestinians on the question of settlements.
Don't get me wrong. I enjoy seeing Kerry get blasted. I'm sure much of her critique is motivated by trying to get into Trump's good graces. But I would take May's criticisms of Secretary Kerry more seriously if her government opposed the substance of a UN Security Council Resolution which renders Jews in the Old City of Jerusalem to be trespassers subject to prosecution.
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