Context
There is growing chatter in the Israeli and Arab press on the possibility of US abstaining from vetoing a resolution in the Security Council. The resolution condemns Israel for its settlement policy. The vote has not been called yet, however, if it is, the reasons that would lead to US abstention are growing Arab support for the resolution and the pressure to maintain American credibility.
The prospect of US abstaining, is being interpreted by the Israeli’s as a big blow to its international diplomacy. Some observers have interpreted the growing Arab support for the motion as another outcome of what just occurred in Tunisia. The abstention, if it takes place, would represent a fundamental change in US stance towards the politics of Middle East.
