The United Nations Security Council has rejected a resolution calling for the establishment of a Palestinian state by late 2017 and an Israeli withdrawal from occupied territories. The draft, put forward by Palestine, failed to secure the minimum nine votes needed for adoption, receiving eight in favour, two against, and five abstentions.
The United States, a permanent member with veto power, voted against the measure, along with Australia. Britain was among the five abstentions. Even if the resolution had gained nine votes, Washington's veto would have blocked it. US Ambassador Samantha Power defended the decision, arguing the text was 'deeply imbalanced' and contained 'unconstructive deadlines' that ignored Israel's security concerns.
Power stated that the vote did not represent opposition to peace, but rather a rejection of a flawed approach. She criticised both sides, warning against actions that undermine peace efforts, including settlement activity and imbalanced resolutions. The Palestinian envoy, Riyad Mansour, expressed regret that the council remained 'paralyzed' and called for an end to the 'abhorrent Israeli occupation.'
The resolution's defeat was widely anticipated, as Washington had signalled its opposition ahead of Israel's March election. Diplomats noted that the Palestinians pushed for a vote despite knowing it would fail. The European and African blocs were divided, with France and Luxembourg voting in favour, while Britain and Lithuania abstained.
