NZ votes against US over Jerusalem in UN resolution

New Zealand was among 128 nations voting for a UN resolution condemning the United States for recognising Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

The US and Israel resoundingly lost the non-binding general assembly vote 128-9.

The resolution doesn’t name the US explicitly but expresses ‘‘deep regret’’ at any decision to recognise Jerusalem as Israel’s capital – which US President Trump decided to do on December 6.

"NZ has and has always had an independent foreign policy ...'' Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern

Much of the world believes this act will harm a two state solution as Israel currently occupies parts of Palestinian East Jerusalem. Palestinians argue the ancient holy city should also be their capital.

US President Donald Trump threatened to withhold aid from nations that voted for the resolution.

‘‘Let them vote against us,’’ Trump told world media at a cabinet meeting.

‘‘We don’t care. But this isn’t like it used to be where they could vote against you and then you pay them hundreds of millions of dollars ... We’re not going to be taken advantage of any more.’’

This message seemed aimed at poorer nations that take in US aid, but was undoubtedly also noticed by America’s more wealthy close allies.

Canada and Australia both abstained from the vote. The United Kingdom joined New Zealand in voting for the resolution.

Voting against it were with US, Israel, and several nations who receive US aid – including New Zealand’s Pacific neighbours Nauru, Micronesia, and the Marshall Islands.

The US vetoed a similar resolution at the UN Security Council earlier in December.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said she would not be bullied by the US on Thursday.

‘‘New Zealand has and has always had an independent foreign policy – we base our decisions on principle, not being bullied. We will always take a principled foreign policy.

‘‘People make their own interpretations from what’s been said, but no matter what he says we will make a decision that is based on our independent foreign policy.’’

Foreign affair Minister Winston Peters said the resolution reflects New Zealand’s long-held support for a two-state solution.

‘‘The resolution called for the acceleration of efforts to achieve a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East. This is something we all can support.’’