Occupied Jerusalem: The Israeli leader says the days when the United Nations “automatically votes against Israel” are numbered.

Benjamin Netanyahu claimed on Tuesday that his recent trip to the UN highlighted an “unprecedented blooming” of Israeli international relations. He says this shift will end the absurdity of the “double standard” against Israel.

Israel is often vastly outnumbered at the UN and claims to be singled out by nations seeking to curry favour with its Arab adversaries.

Netanyahu says Israel’s strengthening ties with African nations is the key to its improved standing. The prime minister recently visited Africa and encouraged his Cabinet ministers to do the same as part of the strategy of forging these new alliances and breaking a traditionally pro-Palestinian voting bloc. Netanyahu says this will blunt Palestinian UN diplomatic initiatives against Israel.