An Arab-backed resolution singling out Israel for special attention over its alleged nuclear arsenal was defeated today at an annual conference of the UN atomic agency.
Nations meeting at the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) general conference voted 58-45 against the resolution, while 27 abstained.
Backed by 18 Arab states, including Syria, the resolution expressed concern "about the Israeli nuclear capabilities," urging Israel to join the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty and put its nuclear facilities under international oversight. Israel has never acknowledged that it possesses nuclear weapons.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed the outcome of the vote, calling the resolution an effort "to harm Israel."
Separately, the conference voted 117-0, with 13 abstentions, in favor of a resolution submitted by Egypt that called on "all states in the region" to join the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty.
