Al-QUDS: Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has summoned the US ambassador in Tel Aviv over Washington’s abstention on a UN vote condemning Israeli settlement building in the occupied territories.
According to a report by Israel’s State Radio, Netanyahu summoned ambassador Dan Shapiro for a meeting to “explain the situation” after the UN adopted on Friday a resolution which demands Israel to halt settlement building and expansion in the Palestinian territories.
On Sunday, Israel summoned all the ambassadors from countries that voted for the UN resolution.
The resolution, which was co-sponsored by Malaysia, New Zealand, Senegal and Venezuela, was passed by a 14-0 vote after the United States abstained.
The US’s move was a break from Washington’s long-standing policy of supporting Israel at the UN.
In the past, the US has used its veto power on the issue, however, the Obama administration’s decision not to veto the resolution was a first regarding a measure involving Israel and Palestine.
Netanyahu had harshly criticized the anti-settlement resolution, describing it as “anti-Israel” and “shameful”.
“The Obama administration not only failed to protect Israel against this gang-up at the UN, it colluded with it behind the scenes,” he said, vowing that Israel will not comply with the resolution.
