UN Security Council Weighing Resolution to Reject Trump’s Recognition of Jerusalem

TEL AVIV — The United Nations Security Council is considering a draft resolution that would seek to reverse U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, Reuters reported on Sunday.

The draft, prepared by Egypt, does not refer to either the U.S. or to President Trump. It was circulated between the 15 members of the council and according to Reuters enjoys support, but the U.S., which wields veto power in the council, is likely to shoot it down.

A vote on the draft resolution, Reuters reported, can take place as early as next week. It would need nine votes to pass and no veto from the U.S., France, Britain, Russia or China.

Arab diplomats began looking for a UNSC resolution to reverse Trump’s decision soon after its announcement.

The U.S. president’s declaration was also rejected by the European Union, with foreign policy Chief Federica Mogherini saying the 28-country body would like to see Jerusalem become the shared capital of both Israel and the Palestinians.

The Czech Republic, however, announced that it recognized the western part of the city as Israel’s capital and according to Israeli media is planning to move its embassy there.

The U.S. Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley praised Trump’s decision as “the just and right thing to do.”

The draft resolution “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status or demographic composition of the Holy City of Jerusalem have no legal effect, are null and void and must be rescinded in compliance with relevant resolutions of the Security Council.”

Israel’s Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon was quoted by Reuters saying, “No vote or debate will change the clear reality that Jerusalem” is the capital of Israel.

A UN Security Council resolution adopted in December 2016 “underlines that it will not recognize any changes to the 4 June 1967 lines, including with regard to Jerusalem, other than those agreed by the parties through negotiations,” Reuters reported.