The Goldstone Report is flawed not only because of its origins in a resolution that singled out Israel for criticism; it is flawed because it takes a tendentious view of international law—some of it made up from whole cloth—and because its highly selective use of facts reveals conclusions in search of support. Naturally, today’s resolution took no note of the fact that Israel is already investigating allegations of illegal action committed by its soldiers, who were engaged in a legitimate action of national self-defense.  Indeed, by issuing and endorsing this report, the U.N. has made it difficult for those investigators, or any other investigation mechanism, to go forward without appearing to join the mob.

We are not surprised that the hopelessly biased U.N. Human Rights Commission, dominated by countries reflexively critical of Israel, voted to adopt the Goldstone Report intact.  Neither are we surprised—but we are gratified—that Western nations led by the United States refused to join the mob.

Today’s action makes the possibility of peace in the Middle East distinctly more remote. Israel cannot take the risks peace will entail unless it is sure that it will be able to defend itself if necessary.  The Obama Administration, which has made achieving Middle Peace an important foreign policy goal, wisely sees that the Goldstone Report is one more- - wholly unnecessary -- obstacle to peace.