Israeli politicians have rounded on European countries following yesterday’s failed attempt by the Palestinians to find UN Security Council backing for their statehood bid.

The Palestinian proposal calling for peace with Israel within a year and an end to the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories by late 2017 failed to pass a UN Security Council vote on Tuesday after eight member states voted in favour of the Palestinian bid, two voted against it and five abstained – including the UK.

Referring to a French proposal to set a UN-agreed timetable for a new round of peace talks, Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman said: "The Palestinian disregard to the international community's most important countries - particularly the US - stems from the backing they receive from certain European countries.

"Therefore, every country that truly wants to promote an agreement must act responsibly and make it clear to the Palestinians that decisions can only be made around the UN table."

Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon said: "The Palestinian Authority continues to prove that it has no interest in direct negotiations, but rather provocations and continued acts aimed at delegitimizing Israel."

"As it has done since the signing of the Oslo Accords 20 years ago, the PA's way is to try to receive from Israel without giving a thing. We will not compromise the security and future of the state of Israel," Mr Ya'alon added.