BICOM

The UK abstained as a controversial Palestinian-led resolution was brought to a vote last night at the United Nations (UN) Security Council and failed to receive the requisite support for approval.

The final resolution was an amended and more hard line version of a motion submitted on 17 December. Both versions call for a 12-month deadline on peace negotiations and an Israeli withdrawal from occupied territory by the end of 2017. The latest version reportedly toughened up language on Jerusalem, refugees and settlements.

The United States had already clarified that it would not support the resolution and use its veto if necessary. Also prior to the vote, UK Ambassador to the UN, Mark Lyall Grant cited particularly problematic “language on time scales, new language on refugees” to conclude “we would have some difficulties” in supporting the resolution.

In the event, eight countries voted in favour of the motion, two against (United States and Australia) and five abstained including the UK. A minimum of nine votes are required for a motion to be adopted. Reports suggest that the Palestinians had calculated on receiving the requisite votes but that Nigeria was persuaded to abstain at the last minute.

In a short statement, Israel Nitzan of the Israeli mission to the UN commented that the Palestinians must understand “the way to achieve statehood is not paved with provocations.” YNet reports that Israeli officials were disappointed by France’s support for the motion.

Palestinian envoy to the UN Riyad Mansour said that Palestinian leaders will meet today “and will decide on next steps.” Reports suggest they may look to join international organisations and conventions to sanction Israel. Such action would be considered a serious diplomatic escalation threatening Israel.