US Vetoes the UNSC Resolution Rejecting Trump’s Recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s Capital
After protests broke out condemning President Donald Trump’s decision declaring Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, Egypt drafted a resolution that “expressed deep regret at recent decisions concerning the status of Jerusalem”. The draft did not mention the United States or President Trump by name, but it called for “reversal of the negative trends on the ground that are imperiling the two-State solution.”
14 members of the council voted in favor of the resolution; including Britain and France. However, for the first time in over six years, US delegate to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, voted against the resolution using the United States’ veto power as one of the permanent members of the UNSC!
After voting, Haley stated “Today for the simple act of deciding where to put our embassy, the United States was forced to defend its sovereignty. The record will reflect that we did so proudly,” adding “Today for acknowledging a basic truth about the capital city of Israel, we are accused of harming peace. The record will reflect that we reject that outrageous claim. For these reasons and with the best interest of both the Israeli and the Palestinian people firmly in mind, the United States votes no on this resolution.”
Haley insisted that Trump’s recognition of Jerusalem will not affect the peace process, adding that the United States is still committed to direct negotiations. However, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas stated earlier that “the U.S. should no longer be involved in brokering the Israeli-Palestinian peace agreement”.
As Palestine expected the Veto, they decided that they’ll be switching their focus from the Security Council to the General Assembly, where no one can Veto the assembly’s decision. A resolution from the General Assembly does not have the same weight as a resolution from the Security Council, but it shows international consensus against the US unilateral recognition.
Haley called the proceedings an insult that won’t be forgotten, claiming that they’re using the Veto in defense of American sovereignty and of America’s role in the Middle East peace process.
