The Guardian view on the UN security council’s ceasefire resolution: the US talks tougher on Israel | Editorial

The Biden administration U-turned as its frustration with Benjamin Netanyahu grew. But don't expect much more

The extent of the Biden administration's shift at the United Nations security council on Monday should not be underestimated. The US is not only by far Israel's most important ally and supplier of aid, but has provided it with stalwart diplomatic support. That it abstained instead of vetoing a resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire - as it had previously done - was a major departure and leaves Israel looking extremely isolated, as Benjamin Netanyahu's angry reaction showed.

Yet the US has since done its best to talk down its decision, with officials insisting that there has been no change in policy and describing the resolution as non-binding. That is not the view of other security council members or the UN itself. Antonio Guterres, the UN secretary general, wrote that it would be unforgivable" to fail to implement the resolution, which also called for the unconditional release of hostages. But Israeli airstrikes have continued.