Proof of US plot: Israel

O ‘behind UN vote’

A top Israeli diplomat claimed Monday that President Obama masterminded the United Nation’s antisettlement vote last week and that he has evidence of the White House’s role.

“What is outrageous is that the United States was actually behind that gang-up. I think it was a very sad day, really a shameful chapter,” Israeli Ambassador to the United States Ron Dermer said on CNN’s “New Day.”

“We have clear evidence of it. We will present that evidence to the new administration through the appropriate channels. And if they want to share it with the US people, they’re welcome to do it.”

Dermer also accused the White House of orchestrating the vote in the Security Council to help the Palestinians, who “are trying to wage a diplomatic and legal war against Israel.”

On Friday, the US abstained from a vote on a resolution approved by 14 out of the 15 Security Council members that demanded “Israel immediately and completely cease all settlement activities in the occupied Palestinian territory, including east Jerusalem.”

In abstaining, the US opted to not use its veto power to block the vote.

It was the first successful resolution since 1979 to condemn Israel’s settlement policies. The US vetoed a similar resolution in 2011.

The White House’s refusal to veto the resolution was considered a betrayal by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has had a chilly relationship with Obama.

Israel responded swiftly to the vote, with Netanyahu announcing the Jewish state would cut “working ties” with 10 of the nations that voted in favor of the resolution.

The American Jewish Congress advocacy group is urging congressional hearings in the aftermath of the vote, which the organization characterized as ”onesided” and “anti-Israel.”

Meanwhile, Secretary of State John Kerry is expected to deliver a speech this week to address the Obama administration’s vision for Middle East peace, CNN reported Monday.