Israel scrambled yesterday to contain the fallout from a UN vote demanding it halt settlements in Palestinian territory, lashing out at US President Barack Obama over the “shameful” resolution.
The Security Council passed the measure on Saturday after the US abstained, enabling the adoption of the first UN resolution since 1979 to condemn Israel over its settlement policy.
By deciding not to veto the move, the US took a rare step that deeply angered Israel, which accused Mr Obama of abandoning its closest Middle East ally.
The text was passed with support from all remaining members of the 15-member council.
The landmark vote came despite lobbying efforts by Israel and calls from US president-elect Donald Trump to block the text.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected the resolution as a “shameful blow against Israel at the UN”.
“The decision that was taken was biased and shameful, but we will withstand it,” he said.
Read the full article by the AFP at The Australian.