Tomorrow, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas is expected to request that the United Nations (U.N.) Security Council officially recognize the sovereignty of a Palestinian State. But, the decision of Mr. Abbas to pursue official statehood undermines the Israeli-Palestinian peace process.

Through this action, the Palestinians are thumbing their noses at their neighbor, Israel, and in turn, Israel’s allies which include the United States. The divisive wedge that already exists between the Israelis and Palestinians will be driven in deeper, making a mutually negotiated and thus lasting peace, more difficult to achieve.

Any elevation of the Palestinians’ status at the U.N. is unacceptable. Upgraded status could allow the Palestinians recourse against the Israelis through U.N. institutions such as the International Criminal Court or the International Court of Justice.

The Palestinians are not in a position to become a sovereign nation. They have failed to commit to serious negotiations with Israel that are necessary before statehood and full U.N. membership can even be discussed. They have failed to demonstrate any commitment to eradicating terrorism; the Palestinian Authority does not even control its own “territory” as the Gaza Strip is controlled by Hamas, a designated terrorist organization. Furthermore, they have failed to demonstrate, through their negotiations with Hamas that they are seriously interested in peace in any way.

I call on President Obama to address the Palestinians’ bid with swift and meaningful action, instead of merely calling it a “distraction.” Opposing the Palestinians’ attempt to be recognized as a state is an opportunity for the United States to stand with Israel and support a true peace process. Sadly, this Administration has missed too many opportunities to stand with Israel and now is the time to change our approach.

President Obama’s diplomatic ineptitude has led us to this point. The fact remains that our entire foreign policy has left the United States and our strongest democratic ally in the Middle East, Israel, facing an uncertain future. Consider that Egypt is beginning elections in November that could see the ascendancy of the Muslim Brotherhood. Syria is teetering on the brink of civil war. Iran’s quest for a nuclear weapon continues unabated, and relations between the United States and Turkey are deteriorating. This is a time when we must completely rethink the way we do business in the Middle East.

The fact remains that the Palestinians refuse to recognize Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish State, promote violent extremism and do little to encourage a peaceful settlement. Until these disturbing issues are resolved in a completely satisfactory manner, there is no reason the Palestinians should be recognized as a sovereign state.

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