Life in Israeli settlements

Yahoo News Photo Staff

Israel scrambled Saturday to contain the fallout from a U.N. Security Council vote to halt settlements in Palestinian territory after lashing out at President Barack Obama over the “shameful” resolution.

The council passed the measure Friday after the United States abstained, enabling the adoption of the first U.N. resolution since 1979 to condemn Israel over its settlement policy.

By deciding not to veto the move, the U.S. took a rare step that deeply angered Israel, which accused Obama of abandoning its closest Middle East ally in the waning days of his administration.

The text was passed with support from all remaining members of the 15-member council, with applause breaking out in the chamber.

The landmark vote came despite intense lobbying efforts by Israel and calls from US President-elect Donald Trump to block the text.

While the resolution contains no sanctions, Israeli officials are concerned it could widen the possibility of prosecution at the International Criminal Court. (AFP)

Here's a look at Israeli settlements after the landmark U.N. vote.

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