U.N. Resolution Condemning Israeli Settlements Is Approved; U.S. Abstains

U.N. Resolution Condemning Israeli Settlements Is Approved; U.S. Abstains

UNITED NATIONS — Defying extraordinary pressure from President-elect Donald J. Trump and furious lobbying by Israel, the Obama administration on Friday allowed the United Nations Security Council to adopt a contentious resolution that condemned Israeli settlement construction. 

The administration’s decision not to veto the measure broke a longstanding American tradition of serving as Israel’s sturdiest diplomatic shield.