In what is being described as historic move, the United States decided to abstain on a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolution highly critical of Israel and its development of settlements beyond its internationally recognized borders. The decision to abstain, which some say is symbolic given the impending presidency of the pro-Israel US President elect Donald J. Trump, is the first such decision taken by the Obama Administration in the past eight years. The resolution, which was initially presented by Egypt before being withdrawn after concerns were raised by Trump and Israel, was put forward by New Zealand, Malaysia, Venezuela, and Senegal. The four countries had said that despite Egypt’s postponement, they would use their authority as co-sponsors of the resolution to call for a vote in the 15 member UNSC. Adopted with 14 votes in favour and the one abstention of the US, the resolution was welcomed by the UNSC with a round of applause. The resolution demands Israel “immediately and completely cease all settlement activities in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem.” It also declares that Israel’s establishment of settlements beyond the 1967 borders has “no legal validity and…
‘Day of Victory’: US Abstains, UN Demands End to Israeli Settlements
December 24, 2016
