In an expected move, the United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday voted to accept the Goldstone Report, despite objections from Israel and the United States. The vote passed by a 114-18 majority, with 44 abstentions.

Despite the victory, the General Assembly’s decision is benign, lacking the authority to impose any sanctions or to take steps against Israel.

Many of Israel’s allies voted against the decision, including the United States, Australia, Canada, Holland and Germany.

The vote includes a decision in line with a request by the international body’s leader, Secretary-General Bank ki-Moon, where America is likely to use its veto power to torpedo any damaging resolutions that will be brought up for a vote.

Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman responded by explaining the vote was not a surprise to anyone, expecting just what occurred, pointing out the major western nations did indeed oppose the vote, and the UN is home to the automatic anti-Israel majority.

While the move authorizing the report to be brought before the Security Council is an unwanted one, Lieberman indicated there is an understanding that America will use Washington’s veto power, thereby sparing Israel from being further victimized by council resolutions in addition to the anti-Semitic report prepared by the UN’s human rights branch.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)