Resolution Urges Halt to Israeli Settlement

Ignoring an appeal from the United States, the General Assembly demanded that Israel stop building Jewish housing in disputed East Jerusalem. The U.N. resolution also called for an end to “all forms of support” for Israeli settlement activities. The action marked the first time that there has been anything remotely approaching a threat of collective international action. The vote was overwhelming--134-3, with 11 abstentions. The U.N. session was called in response to Israel’s decision to build housing in East Jerusalem, which the Palestinians want as a future capital. The United States has argued that the issue is between Israel and the Palestinians and that the world body should stay out of it.