Israel expressed satisfaction on Wednesday after the UN Security Council failed to adopt a controversial resolution on Palestinian statehood setting a 12-month deadline for reaching a final peace deal.
“Every Israeli who wants peace with our neighbours can only be satisfied with the results of this vote,” Deputy Foreign Minister Tzahi HaNegbi told public radio several hours after the resolution failed to pass within the 15-member council. “This deals a blow to efforts by (Palestinian president) Mahmud Abbas to embarrass and isolate us,” said HaNegbi, a close associate of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Eight countries voted in favour, among them three of the council’s five permanent members — China, France and Russia — but the resolution fell short of winning the nine “yes” votes necessary for adoption in the 15-member council.