U.S. allows United Nations to condemn Israeli settlements, Netanyahu furious

Mr Trump, who called for a veto along with Netanyahu, is likely to be a more staunch supporter of Netanyahu’s right-wing policies.

Addressing the weekly cabinet meeting in Jerusalem, Netanyahu reiterated his staunch opposition to Friday’s passage of Resolution 2334, which condemns Israeli settlements and all forms of terrorism and incitement, and blamed outgoing US President Barack Obama for not only withholding a veto but for having been a driving force behind its passing.

The United States (along with Russia, France, Britain, and China) has the ability to veto resolutions in the U.N. Obama’s decision to abstain from Friday’s vote and refrain from exercising the country’s veto power stands in stark contrast to the nation’s previous moves to protect Israel, a longtime ally, from similar actions.

The resolution was passed after the U.S. refused to veto it, breaking with long-standing American practice.

He told the Financial Times in a recent interview that he was “very optimistic” about Mr Trump.

What is the significance of this resolution for Middle East security and U.S. -Israel relations?

The resolution was put forward by New Zealand, Malaysia, Venezuela and Senegal.

The resolution also condemned Palestinian incitement to terrorism and urged both sides to resume peace negotiations.

The White House had no immediate comment.

The Obama administration portrayed its historic decision to allow United Nations condemnation of Israeli settlement-building as a way to finally and emphatically demand a stop to the activity.

The next four weeks – the last of President Obama’s term – will likely remain contentious as the Trump operation attempts to usurp more presidential power in the interest of Trump’s extremist agenda.

On Facebook, Trump wrote that the Egyptian draft resolution should be vetoed.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the measure was “anti-Israel” and requested the United States vote against it.

The resolution put forward at the 15-member council was able to pass after the Obama administration abstained from using its veto vote, defying pressure from Mr Trump as well as Israel and several USA senators.

Defying heavy pressure from long-time ally Israel and President-elect Donald Trump for Washington to use its veto, the USA abstained in the Security Council decision, which passed with 14 votes in favour.

Trump reacted after the vote by promising change at the UN.

Murray McCully, New Zealand’s foreign minister, said the decision should have “not come as a surprise to anyone and we look forward to continuing to engage constructively with all parties on this issue”.

His pick for Israel envoy, David Friedman, supports Israel’s annexation of parts of the West Bank and raises funds for Israeli settlements built on lands Palestinians eye for a future state.