Lieberman orders to sever ties with HRC
Senior state official says Israel will no longer appear before Human Rights Council, 'or even take their calls' following council's decision to probe settlements. Foreign Ministry will not facilitate HRC members' visit in territories 

By Attila Somfalvi
March 26, 2012
Ynet News
http://www.ynetnews.com/Ext/Comp/ArticleLayout/CdaArticlePrintPreview/1,2506,L-4208133,00.html

Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman has decided to cut all ties with the UN's Human Rights forum following its decision to probe how settlements may be infringing on Palestinians' rights, a senior state official said Monday. 
 
We maintained some kind of a relationship with them despite not being members in the council, he said. We will no longer appear before the council or even answer their calls. If they want to visit – we shall not assist them.
 
The official said that the Palestinians are adopting a strategy of unilateralism aimed at avoiding an agreement. They link everything to settlements, he said. Attempts to spearhead uncoordinated projects in Area C as well as efforts in the International Court of Justice are meant to impede any political move. 
 
The official said that the Palestinians' aim is to achieve UN recognition using unilateral means. 

Despite the bold move to sever ties with the UN council, the Foreign Ministry remains concerned about the political stalemate. Minister Lieberman is working on a series of unspecified steps to end the deadlock. 

Last week, the HRC passed a resolution ordering a first probe into how Israel's West Bank settlements may be infringing on Palestinians' rights. The council called on Israel to take steps like seizing weapons in order to prevent settler violence. It is sending a delegation to the territories to check the effect settlements have on the Palestinian people.
 
The Foreign Ministry said in response that the council is being used as a tool to further unilateral political steps instead of promoting human rights. 
 
A statement on behalf of the ministry said that while unprecedented human rights violations are taking place in the Middle East the HRC chooses to dedicate its time and resources to the creation of a redundant body whose sole purpose is to satisfy the whims of the Palestinians and hurt any chances of a peaceful settlement.