The Palestinians will seek United Nations General Assembly support if the U.S. vetoes a Security Council resolution against its decision to recognise Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, a Minister said on Monday.
The Security Council was expected to vote later Monday on a draft resolution rejecting U.S. President Donald Trump’s recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. The vote, called by Egypt, is likely to see the U.S. use its veto power.
‘U.S. is isolated’
Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al-Malki said they would seek support at the General Assembly if the U.S. Ambassador Nikki Haley exercises Washington’s veto.
While Ms. Haley considers “the veto a source of pride and strength, we will show her their position is isolated and rejected internationally”, Mr. Malki said in a statement. The UN General Assembly is expected to hold a plenary session on Tuesday, including a discussion on the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination.
The five permanent members of the Security Council have veto power, but there are no vetoes at the General Assembly. Breaking with international consensus, Mr. Trump on December 6 recognised Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and said he would move the U.S. embassy there from Tel Aviv, sparking protests and strong condemnation.
U.S. Vice President Mike Pence will visit Jerusalem on Wednesday. Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas has scrapped a meeting with Mr. Pence in protest at the Jerusalem announcement, and will instead head to Saudi Arabia to meet King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman.
On Monday night the Palestinian leadership was to meet for the first time since Mr. Trump’s announcement.
The Palestinians view east Jerusalem as the capital of their future state.
