Goldstone clause could lead to sanctions

The Goldstone Report included a threat to Israel that had been overlooked so far but could lead to voluntary, far-reaching economic sanctions against Israel by UN members, a US Jewish organization, the American Jewish International Relations Institute (AJIRI), warned on Wednesday.

According to former US ambassador Richard Schifter, the threat comes from a paragraph in the report's recommendations referring to a UN provision stating that if the Security Council does not order action to be taken by the UN against Israel, members of the General Assembly may take voluntary, collective action instead.

The provision was used by the General Assembly members to apply tough economic sanctions against South Africa in 1982 and AJIRI is concerned that it could now be used againstIsrael.

The Goldstone Commission recommended that the General Assembly may remain apprised of the implementation of its findings and recommendations "until it is satisfied that appropriate action is taken at the domestic and international level to ensure justice for victims and accountability for perpetrators."

The General Assembly may consider whether additional action within its powers is required in the interests of justice, including under Resolution 377 (V) "Uniting for Peace."

According to the "Uniting for Peace" resolution, if the Security Council fails to take action due to a lack of unanimity among its permanent members - apparently a reference to a veto by one or more of the five permanent members - "the General Assembly shall consider the matter immediately with a view to making appropriate recommendations to members for collective measures, including, in the case of breach of the peace or an act of aggression, the use of armed force when necessary to maintain or restore international peace and security." More