UN rejects Palestinian resolution

A draft resolution calling for Israel's withdrawal from Palestinian territory and establishment of a Palestinian state is rejected by the U.N. Security Council.

Its defeat wasn't a surprise.

The U.S. used its veto to make sure it wouldn't pass.

Diplomats said Washington had made clear it didn't want a vote on such a resolution before Israel's elections next March.

(SOUNDBITE)(English) SAMANTHA POWER, U.S. AMBASSADOR TO THE UNITED NATIONS, SAYING:

"We voted against this resolution, not because we are indifferent to the daily hardships or the security threats endured by Palestinians and Israelis but because we know that those hardships will not cease and those threats will not subside until the parties reach a comprehensive settlement achieved through negotiations."

The Palestinian permanent observer at the U.N accused the Security Council members of paralysis.

(SOUNDBITE)(English) RIYAD MANSOUR, PALESTINIAN PERMANENT OBSERVER TO THE UNITED NATIO