After six visits by US Secretary of State John Kerry with the intent to resume “negotiations” between Israel and the Palestinians, further creeping annexation of Palestine was authorized by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government on Aug. 4 as a “national priority.” Among the measures authorized were three formerly designated “illegal outposts.” The New York Times described the measures and the Palestinian response as “highlighting the fragility of the Washington-brokered effort.”

It is now clear that Secretary Kerry’s priority of restoring the “negotiations” process was in part intended to preempt any Palestinian attempt to use its new status as an observer state at the UN General Assembly to have access to join all specialized agencies and the International Criminal Court. Kerry sought to help render the breakthrough that eluded all his predecessors. Hanan Ashrawi, a Palestinian negotiator, commented, “This is exactly what Israel wants, have a process for its own sake, and at the same time have a free hand to destroy the objective of the process.” In a few words, she encapsulates Israel’s intent.

It is clear that the US administration has to reassess its policy on this subject and allow the Palestinian observer state to pursue opportunities to realize its legitimate objectives. The United States shold not pursue a parallel “process” that has emboldened Israel to violate all relevant UN resolutions and international law with impunity. A thorough reassessment is needed for the sake of peace and restoring US credibility in its commitment to resolve the Israel-Palestinian question.

Clovis Maksoud is a former ambassador and permanent observer of the League of Arab States at the United Nations and its chief representative in the United States for more than 10 years.