UN Security Council resolution draft demands immediate end to settlement activity

US is reportedly against bringing the resolution to a vote, but unclear if it will be vetoed

A draft resolution to the UN Security Council, sponsored by the United Arab Emirates in consultation with the Palestinian Authority, demands that Israel "immediately and totally cease all settlement operations in the occupied Palestinian territory".

After a series of terrorist attacks in Jerusalem, Israel’s Security Cabinet announced on Sunday a unanimous decision to legalize nine settlements in Judea and Samaria, known as the West Bank. The Cabinet also proposed moving forward with plans for 10,000 additional settlement homes in the territories.

The UAE-authored resolution is expected to come to a vote in the Security Council on Monday.

The resolution also states that “the establishment by Israel of settlements in the Palestinian territory occupied since 1967, including East Jerusalem, has no legal validity and constitutes a flagrant violation under international law.”

The U.S. is reportedly against bringing the resolution to a vote, as it prefers to come to an agreement via negotiations between Israel and the PA, as opposed to the UN.

The U.S. firmly expressed its opposition to increasing settlement activity.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken noted the U.S. was “deeply troubled by the Israeli government’s announcement that it is advancing nearly 10,000 settlement units and intends to begin a process to normalize nine outposts that were previously deemed illegal under Israeli law. We strongly oppose these unilateral actions, which will only serve to exacerbate tensions between Israelis and Palestinians and undermine efforts to achieve a negotiated two-state solution."

The question of whether the U.S. would veto the resolution if it comes to a vote, is unclear, as recent history has demonstrated a greater willingness by Democratic administrations to speak out publicly against Israel.

The broader international community has been highly critical of Israel’s announcement.

According to an Axios report, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu tempered the settlement announcement, as his coalition partners were reportedly demanding an announcement that 14,000 housing units and 20 outposts were to be legalized.

The announcement of the draft resolution circulated widely on Palestinian news sites, where it was referred to as a Palestinian proposal.