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US Secretary of State Pompeo made a controversial visit to the Israeli-occupied West Bank shortly before the end of his term. Palestinian Prime Minister Shtajjeh was outraged.
By Tim Assmann, ARD-Studio Tel Aviv
Mike Pompeo arrived by helicopter for the controversial air visit to Psagot, an Israeli settlement in the occupied West Bank. The Secretary of State of the United States briefly visited a winery that had named one of its wines after him. The appointment was made in gratitude for the fact that Pompeo had named the settlements agreed upon some time ago as under international law.
The Trump administration represents this view of international law largely uniquely. Pompeo’s predecessors in office avoided the settlements. For the United Nations and, for the most part, for the international community, the following applies: Settlements on occupied Palestinian land are illegal.
Strong criticism from the Palestinian side
Settlement products, for example Pompeo wine, must be clearly labeled in the EU. In the United States, however, the appellation of origin “Made in Israel” now applies. The US State Department announced this around the same time as Pompeo’s visit. The new regulation is in line with a reality-based foreign policy approach, hence the reasoning.
The detour from Pompeo to Psagot was heavily criticized by the Palestinian side. From a dangerous precedent and the break with international law, said Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammed Schtajjeh.
Netanyahu thanks the Trump administration
The Golan Heights, which Israel had conquered from Syria in the 1967 Six Day War, were also on Pompeo’s travel plan. Israel’s claim to the area was recognized by the Trump administration last year. “President Trump’s decision that he belongs to Israel is historically and corresponds to simple reality,” Pompeo said now.
That morning, the guest from Washington met with Israel’s Prime Minister Netanyahu. Netanyahu said his people were grateful to the Trump administration and also to Pompeo personally for the decisions made in recent years, such as the recognition of Jerusalem as the Israeli capital and the mediation of normalization agreements with the Arab states.
“We have accomplished incredible things”
Pompeo, who probably last came to Jerusalem as Foreign Minister, said with great satisfaction: “Peace, more growth and less risk for people around the world, here in the region and in the homeland of the Jewish people; we have achieved together and it is historic. ” He continued: “You can be proud of yourself. I know President Trump is proud. We have accomplished incredible things.”
Netanyahu warned, without specifically referring to the upcoming US administration, against a less harsh stance on Iran. It should not have a free road – “free road for Iran’s support of terrorism, for its aggression in the region and above all for its plans to develop nuclear weapons to destroy Israel and conquer the Middle East. The tyrants of Tehran deserve nothing. “. free road, “said the Israeli prime minister.
US classifies BDS campaign as anti-Semitic
On the sidelines of his meeting with Netanyahu, Pompeo said the State Department considered the global anti-Israel BDS campaign anti-Semitic and would withdraw funding from groups that support the movement. BDS is a reservoir for many different groups who criticize the Israeli occupation policy in the Palestinian territories and want to combat it by boycotting Israeli products, among other things.
The movement is subject to the general accusation of anti-Semitism and was classified as such by the German Bundestag in a resolution last year. Netanyahu said it was wonderful that the United States now wants to come together after Pompeo’s words. However, Pompeo and Netanyahu did not mention the impending shift of power in the White House with a single syllable.
