U.S. Refuses To Veto U.N. Security Council Vote That Condemns Israeli Settlements

New York Times: U.S. Abstains as U.N. Security Council Votes to Condemn Israeli Settlements

UNITED NATIONS — Defying extraordinary pressure from President-elect Donald J. Trump and furious lobbying by Israel, the Obama administration on Friday allowed the United Nations Security Council to adopt a resolution that condemned Israeli settlement construction.

The administration’s decision not to veto the measure broke a longstanding American policy of serving as Israel’s sturdiest diplomatic shield at the United Nations.

While the measure will have no practical impact on the ground, it was regarded as a major rebuff to Israel that could increase its isolation over the paralyzed peace process with the Palestinians, who have sought to establish their own state on territory held by Israel.

Applause broke out in the 15-member Security Council’s chambers following the vote on the measure, which passed 14-0, with the United States abstaining.

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More News On The U.S. Refusing To Veto A U.N. Security Council Vote Condemning Israeli Settlements

UN condemns

Israeli settlements as Obama declines to veto -- AP
U.N. Security Council demands end to Israeli settlements, U.S. abstains -- Reuters
US rebukes Israel and allows UN condemnation of settlements -- AP
Israeli settlements: UN Security Council calls for an end -- BBC
U.N. Censures Israeli Settlement Expansion as U.S. Declines to Block -- WSJ
U.S. abstains on U.N. vote condemning Israeli settlements -- USA Today
US abstains in key Israel vote, clearing way for condemnation of settlements -- FOX News
US abstains as UN demands end to Israeli settlements -- CNN
UN Security Council passes resolution demanding end to Israeli settlements -- DW
US rebukes Israel and allows UN condemnation of settlements -- ABC News Online
UN passes resolution on ending Israeli settlements -- Al Jazeera
Dem senators back Trump on UN Israel veto -- The Hill

Update: President-Elect Trump's response .... Trump warns UN after Israel vote: 'Things will be different' soon (The Hill).