There Is No Voting For The United Nations Draft Of Resolution On Israel's Settlement Today, Replaced By Official Statements

Illustration of the UN Security Council meeting. (Wikimedia Commons/UNSomalia)

JAKARTA - The United Arab Emirates (UAE) told the UN Security Council it would not hold a vote on Monday over a draft resolution demanding Israel "immediately and completely halt all settlement activities in the occupied Palestinian territories," according to a note seen by Reuters.

The UAE told board colleagues in a note sent on Sunday it would now work to compile an official statement, known as a presidential statement (PRST), which must be approved through consensus by the 15-member council.

"Given the positive talks between the two sides, we are now working on a PRST draft that will get consensus," the note said.

"Therefore, there will be no voting on the draft resolution on Monday. Most PRST languages will be taken from the draft resolution," the statement continued.

Earlier, the United States on Thursday voiced deep disappointment at Israel's decision to expand Jewish settlements in occupied Palestinian territories, described as a "unhelpful" push for the UN Security Council to denounce the move.

Last week, the United Arab Emirates on Wednesday circulated resolution texts to the Security Council that had been compiled in coordination with Palestine.

The move came after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu authorized nine Jewish settlers in the occupied West Bank and announced the mass construction of a new home in settlements set up a week ago.

The United States has traditionally protected its ally Israel at the United Nations. But in 2016, President Barack Obama's Administration abstained in voting to allow the council to adopt a resolution demanding Israel stop settlement construction.

Most world powers consider illegal settlements built by Israel on land they seized in the 1967 war of Arab power. Israel denies it and cites the alkitabiah's relations, history and politics with the West Bank, as well as security interests.

Following the announcement of the Israeli government last week, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said he was "very disturbed".

It is known that the draft council resolution proposed by the UAE will reaffirm "that the establishment of settlements by Israel in occupied Palestinian territories since 1967, including East Jerusalem, has no legal validity and is a striking violation under international law."

It also condemns all annexation efforts, including decisions and actions by Israel regarding settlements.