Context
Israel warned Palestine of harsh consequences if it went ahead with plans to seek UN membership as a state. Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman gave the warning on Wednesday without elaborating on details. Previously the Foreign Minister had advocated for a hard-line stance on the issue suggesting that Israel sever all relations with the Palestine authorities.
The US has also been scrambling to deter the Palestine authorities. David Hale, a special U.S. envoy for the Middle East, and White House aide Dennis Ross are in the Middle East holding talks to persuade Palestinian leaders to change their decision.
The US has said it will veto any bid of statehood by Palestine in the Security Council.