Jerusalem, Oct 15: Israel is "satisfied" with the US veto of a UN Security Council resolution which condemned the controversial security barrier Israel is building across the West Bank, a senior official said today. "We are satisfied with the veto imposed by the Americans who are pursuing a coherent policy by refusing to prevent Israel from equipping itself with the necessary means to defend itself against terrorists," said the official on condition of anonymity.
"The fact that European countries such as Germany and Britain also abstained during the vote illustrates that there has been a positive change in attitude."
Meanwhile, the Palestinian Authority today denounced a US decision to veto a UN resolution condemning Israel's controversial security barrier with the West Bank, saying it gave a "green light" to continue construction.
"The Israelis will consider this veto as a green light to continue the construction of the wall and the settlements," chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erakat told.
"The Israeli behaviour, with the construction of the wall and the settlements, the incursions ... Deserve condemnation and not encouragement from the United States."
Bureau Report