Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has declined requests from the Biden administration to postpone a United Nations Security Council vote on Palestine’s bid for full membership in the UN, according to sources from Palestine, the U.S., and Israel.
Tensions have been escalating between the Abbas government and the Biden administration over the past three years, with the Palestinian president criticizing the administration for what he perceives as a lack of effort in promoting a two-state solution in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The UN Security Council is anticipated to vote on a draft resolution granting Palestine full member status at the UN, potentially replacing its current observer status.
To proceed with the resolution, at least nine votes are required to bring it before the 15-member UN Security Council. Subsequently, the resolution would necessitate approval from the council, followed by obtaining at least two-thirds of General Assembly votes.
The Biden administration is reportedly attempting to thwart Palestinian efforts to secure the nine votes, aiming to avoid a situation where the U.S. would need to veto the resolution. Such a move could result in international and domestic criticism for President Biden, particularly amidst the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Sources indicate that the Biden administration has been exploring alternative avenues for recognizing Palestine, albeit not through a unilateral bid at the UN. Possibilities include recognition as part of a broader regional agreement, encompassing post-war plans and normalization between Israel and Saudi Arabia.
Two weeks ago, the Palestinian ambassador to the UN submitted a letter to the UN secretary-general, requesting the renewal of Palestine’s bid for full UN membership.
In response, the UN Security Council formed a committee to deliberate on the matter. The committee’s report, issued on Tuesday, revealed a division among council members regarding the recommendation to accept Palestine as a full UN member.
Over the past fortnight, the Biden administration has exerted pressure on Abbas and his advisers to withdraw their UN membership bid. Secretary of State Antony Blinken directly addressed the issue in a phone call with Abbas, while other U.S. officials reiterated the message in daily engagements with Palestinian counterparts.
Despite warnings from the U.S. regarding potential consequences, including vetoing the resolution or defunding the UN, Abbas and his aides have affirmed their intention to proceed with the vote.
Currently, Palestine reportedly has the support of eight Security Council members, with the U.K. expected to abstain. However, the U.S. and Israel are lobbying other council members to oppose or abstain from voting to prevent Palestine from securing the necessary nine votes.
If these efforts fail, the Biden administration is prepared to veto the resolution, according to sources from all sides involved.
