US Opposed by Every Country of Security Council as it Rejects UN Vote

The US recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel has been called for withdrawal and backed by every member of the security council, except the US, which used its veto. 

The unanimous vote was a strong protest against the Trump administration’s decision, which threatens to undo decades of hard work. 

Egypt expressed their disapproval of Trump’s decision, expressing “deep regret at recent decisions concerning the status of Jerusalem”. 

A representative of the Palestinian President, Mahmoud Abbas, expressed his denunciation, saying it was “unacceptable and threatens the stability of the international community as it disrespects it”. 

The UK and France suggested before the meeting that they would back the text, which called all countries to cooperate with pre-existing UNSC resolutions on Jerusalem, dating back 40 years, including the requirements that the city’s status be decided in direct talks between Israel and Palestine. 

The resolution was strongly criticized by the US ambassador to the UN, Nikki Haley, who described it as “an insult.” She added “the United States will not be told by any country where we can put our embassy.” 

She condemned accusations, saying “it’s scandalous to say we are putting back peace efforts. The fact that this veto is being done in defense of American sovereignty and in defense of America’s role in the Middle East peace process is not a source of embarrassment for us; it should be an embarrassment to the remainder of the security council.” 

The prime minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, expressed his approval on Twitter. “Thank you, Ambassador Haley. On Hanukkah, you spoke like a Maccabi. You lit a candle of truth. You dispel the darkness. One defeated the many. Truth defeated lies. Thank you, President Trump.”

By Tom Day