In a vote of 43-51, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has rejected a resolution that would have issued a non-binding call for Israel to sign the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty (NPT).
The resolution was pushed by Arab nations as a sign of displeasure at the call for a nuclear-free Middle East having been stalled. Israel is the only nation in the region with nuclear arms, and has ruled out ever giving them up.
US Envoy Joe Macmanus expressed anger that the resolution was even allowed to be brought up for a vote, saying that any questioning of Israeli arms was a threat to disarmament.
The international community endorsed the idea of a nuclear-free Middle East in 2010, with the US government voting in favor. After apparently realizing that Israel is in the Middle East, the Obama Administration backtracked, condemned the resolution, and insisted Israel has a “right” to such arms.
