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Nothing is off the table, so expect harsh recriminations if Palestinians seek long overdue rights, ones entitled to all states.
In June, the Senate unanimously approved a measure to end funding if statehood is pursued. In early July, so did the House, voting 407 - 6. Its resolution also called for suspending aid in light of the PA's unity deal with Hamas.
Both House and Senate resolutions are non-binding as foreign policy is the purview of the Executive, except for the right to declare war, a power restricted solely to Congress.
The State of Palestine, in fact, exists. It was proclaimed in Algiers on November 15, 1988 when the PLO adopted the Palestinian Declaration of Independence.
PLO legal advisor Law Professor Francis Boyle drafted it with safeguards to assure all their rights as a sovereign state, and that full de jure UN membership doesn't comprise them.
Rubenstein's threat is another reminder of who's friend or foe. Washington's supportive when Palestinians are quiescent and subservient to Israel.
In other words, willingness to sacrifice independence and stay occupied are requisites to avoid attacks and other retaliatory actions.
It's time to ignore rogue threats and go for what's there to be gotten if pursued.
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