Israel seeking new missiles, vessels; Palestinian National Authority President Mahmoud Abbas says he will resume attempts for UN recognition if talks not relaunched
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  • According to reports, the Israeli Navy is seeking to install short and long-range surface-to-surface missiles on new vessels that it hopes to purchase in the coming year. The new requirement is based on Israel’s desire to assist large-scale IDF ground offensives in the Gaza Strip, Lebanon or Syria. The navy has played a minimal support role in Israel’s recent wars and operations. 1

    In another development, according to reports, Palestinian National Authority President Mahmoud Abbas has said in an interview that while negotiations with Israel were his "first, second and third option", he would resume attempts to gain UN recognition if talks were not relaunched. He said that negotiations hinged on Israel releasing 123 Palestinian prisoners who have been in Israeli jails since prior to the 1993 Oslo Accords. Attempts to gain UNSC recognition last year failed when Abbas could not garner enough support in the Council. The UNESCO remains the only UN agency that has recognised Palestine as a state. The PNA plans to attempt to gain at least non-member status in the UN General Assembly which could be significant as it will allow Palestinians to bring cases against Israel in the International Criminal Court.2

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