Status of Jerusalem

Condemnatory

Yes

Analysis

• Although, not mentioned by name, the resolution criticizes the US for its decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital and move its embassy to Jerusalem, and calls on States not to follow the US decision. The US vehemently opposed this resolution and lobbied strongly against its passage. In a letter to State delegations in advance of the vote, Ambassador Nikki Haley wrote "The president will be watching this vote carefully and has requested I report back on those who voted against us." Haley followed this up with a Tweet stating that "On Thurs there'll be a vote criticizing our choice. The US will be taking names."
• Israel also is not mentioned by name in the resolution, but is clearly criticized in the resolution which states that all "decisions and actions which purport to have altered the character, status or demographic composition" are "null and void," referring, inter alia, to Israel's annexation of Jerusalem. The resolution also calls for the reversal of "negative trends on the ground," a veiled reference to Israel's declared sovereignty over Jerusalem and Israeli "settlements" in East Jerusalem.

Main Sponsors

Arab Group, Organization of Islamic Cooperation

Vote

Yes - 129, No - 9, Abstain - 35, Absent - 20

See Full Vote

Key Praise

None

Key Criticism

• "Expressing, in this regard, its deep regret at recent decisions concerning the status of Jerusalem."
• "Affirms that any decisions and actions which purport to have altered the character, status or demographic composition of the Holy City of Jerusalem have no legal effect, are null and void and must be rescinded in compliance with relevant resolutions of the Security Council, and in this regard calls upon all States to refrain from the establishment of diplomatic missions in the Holy City of Jerusalem, pursuant to Security Council resolution 478 (1980)."
• "Demands that all States comply with Security Council resolutions regarding the Holy City of Jerusalem, and not recognize any actions or measures contrary to those resolutions."
• "Reiterates its call for the reversal of the negative trends on the ground that are imperilling the two-State solution..."