Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh said in a statement that the US step would “enhance the Israeli government’s stubbornness and encourage it to go ahead with unilateral measures, foremost the building of settlements, which violate international law and conventions.”

“The veto is regrettable because the United States always declares that the Israeli settlements are illegal,” he added.

The draft resolution, which was proposed by Arab states, won the approval of all remaining 14 Security Council members, including Britain, France, China and Russia.

“The use of the veto power will send a negative message as to the credibility of the United States,” which plays the role of Middle East peace process broker, the Jordanian minister said.

He urged Washington “to rectify this attitude by seriously working with all concerned parties and the Middle East quartet to ensure that serious, swift, tangible and clear steps are being taken” to reinvigorate the stalled peace talks between the Palestinians and Israel.