Palestinian determination to seek UN recognition of statehood this September creates a reality that is not simple for Israel, Defense Minister Ehud Barak said on Monday in a meeting with his Independence faction.
Barak said this possibility forces the government to "seriously consider" the situation and find a way to prevent the UN from recognizing unilateral Palestinian statehood.
Speaking on the recent indictments issued by the Hariri Tribunal that reportedly blamed Hezbollah members for the assassination of former Lebanese prime minister Rafik Hariri, Barak said "Lebanon is facing a harsh shock."
Given Hezbollah's power in Lebanon, the defense minister suggested the terrorist group may take advantage of the turmoil in neighboring Syria to gain a foothold in the Damascus government.
