News headlines from our top stories of the week, plus an interview with Anna Baltzer on the recent divestment initiative vote by the United Methodist Church. Read more about The Electronic Intifada Weekly Podcast: 3 May, 2012 

There will be huge disappointment from supporters of Palestinian rights and relief among supporters of Israel’s violation of those rights at the failure of the measure to divest from companies profiting from Israeli occupation at the United Methodist Church’s General Conference. Perhaps, some may conclude, the battle is too tough and what worked against South Africa can never work against Israel. Read more about Remember when the Church of England voted against divestment from South Africa? A luta continua!  

The General Conference of the United Methodist Church today failed to pass a measure to divest from companies profiting from Israeli occupation and human rights abuses of Palestinians. Read more about Highly contested Methodist divestment initiative fails, but supporters see partial victory