Unlike all previous Arab-Israeli confrontations at the United Nations, this one was not about Israel. The world was given clear instructions by the sole superpower to accept its dictates even if they flaunt the resolutions of the world body, or suffer direct financial consequences.

The world didn’t flinch or back down under the threats of the powerful United States, but called the American bluff.

The UN General Assembly was holding an emergency meeting according to the UN charter’s Uniting for Peace clause, which allows for an appeal to the General Assembly when a veto decision is cast. The General Assembly voted overwhelmingly in favor of a resolution, 128-9 with 35 abstentions, submitted jointly by Yemen and Turkey on behalf of the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation to declare the US move "null and void."

Speaking to the Saudi-based Arab News, the Palestinian ambassador to the UN, Riyad Mansour, called the vote impressive and stressed the resilience of the international community despite US pressures. “This vote was not against Israel; it was a vote against the US. I am happy with the result despite all the pressure that was placed on UN member states not to support this resolution.”