The UN stumbles on Israeli settlements

"The Palestinians, in their new position, pushed for a presidential statement (which has to be unanimous) to condemn Israel's actions or else a council vote (where the veto might be wielded). The US refused to allow either action. It would not sign onto the unanimous presidential statement - the other fourteen members, including the four Europeans (Britain, France, Portugal and Germany), had signed the statement that condemned settlement activity. It would not allow a council vote - that would have been too embarrassing. The President of the UNSC for this month, Morocco's Mohammed Loulichiki, I am told, did not insist."

http://www.counterpunch.org/2012/12/20/the-un-stumbles-on-israeli-settlements/