Operation Cast Lead -the Israeli strike on the the Gaza Strip one year ago- continues to dominate Israeli foreign relations, particularly with the United Nations. Some of Israel’s air strikes damaged UN facilities, including schools and a UN Relief and Works Agency facility. Israeli officials said Hamas terrorists were harbored in some of these compounds.
Following the conclusion of the Israeli strikes, the UN effectively submitted to Israel a bill of $11 million for repairs on the facilities. Reports emerged today indicating Israel agreed in principle to compensate the UN for the damages, although the final figure has not been revealed.
Separately, the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs released the presentation of former Ambassador Dore Gold from his debate with Judge Richard Goldstone, the official solicited by the UN to write a report on Operation Cast Lead. The report was widely considered to be anti-Israel and one-sided, with the U.S. Congress debating resolutions to reject the report.
Watch the Goldstone-Gold debate here.