Drew Wilson
Democratic Sen. Kevin Rader called on the Florida Senate officially oppose a United Nations resolution that would classify Israeli settlements in historically Palestinian areas as legally invalid.
“Filing this resolution hits very close to home,” Rader said. “It is personal because my family lives in Israel and I, my wife and kids constantly go back and forth. The safety of everyone involved is at stake, not only for my family members but also the people of Israel.”
UN Security Council Resolution 2334 states that “the establishment by Israel of settlements in the Palestinian territory occupied since 1967, including east Jerusalem, has no legal validity and constitutes a flagrant violation under international law and a major obstacle to the achievement of the two-state solution and a just, lasting and comprehensive peace.”
SR 574, filed by Rader in January, would have the Florida Senate oppose and request the repeal of the UNSC 2334. The measure has no official power over the UN’s decision.
Rader said the UNSC resolution runs counter to the preferred two state solution for the Israel-Palestine conflict.
“A two state solution is the only sensible way to keep the peace in the region and to stop the constant bloodshed that is killing innocent people,” he said. “We need to keep protecting the rights of Israel and what the UNSC has imposed is going to have a negative impact.”
Rader’s resolution is expected to be heard in the Senate Judiciary Committee Monday afternoon.
