Dutch opposition politician Geert Wilders criticized US president Barack Obama for not vetoing the UN Security Council resolution against Israeli settlements on Friday as he encouraged Israel to ignore the resolution and build "more and more settlements."

Wilder is the founder and leader of the ultra-nationalist ‘’Partij voor de Vrijheid’’ (Party for the Freedom), which leads in the polls ahead of general elections in the Netherlands next year.

On his Facebook page, Wilders, who is known for his sharp criticism of Islam and his outspoken support for Israel, wrote : "Obama betrayed Israel. Thank God for Trump. My advise to my Israeli friends: ignore the UN and keep building more and more settlements."

Wilders lived in Israel for two years during his youth, working on a moshav, and has visited the country 40 times in the last 25 years.

According to end-of-year polls, the Dutch politician could see his party win up to 37 seats in the 150-seat Dutch parliament in the upcoming elections.

The Dutch face a general election on March 15th, the first in a series of European contests, followed by the presidential election in France and federal elections in Germany. Together these could change the political complexion of Europe.