The resolution adopted last Friday by the UN Security Council calling on Israel ‘’to immediately and completely cease all settlement activities in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem’’ and stressing that the settlements constitute a flagrant violation under international law and a major obstacle to the achievement of the two-State ‘’reaffirms the long-held EU and international community position on the issue of settlements,’’ an EU spokesperson said.

‘’Friday''s vote and the consultations ahead of it, highlights the vital importance of preserving the international consensus on the two-state solution and the need for the international community to stay united,’’ the spokesperson added.

‘’No one wants to impose a solution. There is no alternative to a two-state solution negotiated by the parties. The EU will continue to work towards this end, together with its international partners, including in the Middle East Quartet and with countries in the region.”

Among the 15 members of the UN Security Council who voted in favour of the resolution, three are members of the European Union: Britain, France and Spain.

Israel has reacted angrily to the vote of the resolution and especially to the fact that the US abstained instead of using its veto power like it did for many years.

Several ambassadors of the countries who voted for the resolution have been summoned by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is also Foreign Minister. Retaliatory measures have also been decided such as the cancellation of a visit in Israel by Ukrainian Prime Minister Volodymir Groysman.

Asked about his ‘’vigourous’’ stand against those countries, Netanyahu said Tuesday at a ceremony to launch the Socio-Economic Development Plan for the Galilee:’’ Israel is a country with national pride and we do not turn the other cheek. This is a responsible, measured and vigorous response, the natural response of a healthy people that is making it clear to the nations of the world that what was done at the UN is unacceptable to us.’’

He added, ‘’There is no alternative to a determined response because it is, in effect, creating the basis for a different approach in the future. Therefore, to describe our protest as a world war is ridiculous. I suggest – enough of this Diaspora-think. I tell you that there is no diplomatic wisdom in being ingratiating. Not only will our relations with the nations of the world not be harmed, over time they will only improve because the nations of the world respect strong countries that stand up for themselves and do not respect weak ingratiating countries that bow their heads.

He said under his leadership ‘’Israel is a strong and proud nation. We will continue to defend our state and we will develop the country."