In an expected move, the United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday voted to accept the Goldstone Report, despite objections from Israel and the United States. The vote passed by a 114-18 majority, with 44 abstentions.

Despite the victory, the General Assembly�s decision is benign, lacking the authority to impose any sanctions or to take steps against Israel.

Many of Israel�s allies voted against the decision, including the United States, Australia, Canada, Holland and Germany.

The vote includes a decision in line with a request by the international body�s leader, Secretary-General Bank ki-Moon, where America is likely to use its veto power to torpedo any damaging resolutions that will be brought up for a vote.

Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman responded by explaining the vote was not a surprise to anyone, expecting just what occurred, pointing out the major western nations did indeed oppose the vote, and the UN is home to the automatic anti-Israel majority.

While the move authorizing the report to be brought before the Security Council is an unwanted one, Lieberman indicated there is an understanding that America will use Washington�s veto power, thereby sparing Israel from being further victimized by council resolutions in addition to the anti-Semitic report prepared by the UN�s human rights branch.

(Yechiel Spira � YWN Israel)