Netanyahu: US should veto resolution by UN against building in settlements

In a Twitter message, Israeli Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu on Thursday urged Washington to veto a UN Security Council resolution that calls on Israel to halt all building activity in settlements. A vote on the draft, which was circulated Wednesday by Egypt, is scheduled to be held at the UN on Thursday night. The draft says Israel should "immediately and completely cease all settlement activities in the occupied Palestinian territory, including east Jerusalem". Israel's UN ambassador Danny Danon said in a statement that "It is bizarre that while thousands are being slaughtered in Syria, the Security Council dedicates time specifically to discuss the condemnation of the sole democracy in the Middle East." French ambassador to Israel Helene Le Gal indicated that her country would back the resolution, saying it corresponds to her country's position. An official at the White House declined to specify Washington's stance.