The Palestinian loss in Dec. 31's UN Security Council vote was a “chronicle of a defeat foretold.” It has been described as a brilliant diplomatic victory for Israel and the United States, but this is hardly accurate. The Palestinians could have waited just a few days until five of the 10 temporary members of the Security Council were replaced and broken through the nine-state barrier with relative ease. Instead, they preferred a quick vote and losing.
A fascinating battle was fought behind the scenes, between more than two sides. There were the Palestinians, who made up a side of their own, and there was Israel, which is more isolated than ever before. Then there was the United States with its own interests (not all of which are compatible with Israeli interests), France with its own separate proposal and independent intentions and others.