UN Security Council to vote on Palestinian membership bid on Friday

The United Nations Security Council plans to vote this Friday on a Palestinian bid for full UN membership, diplomats announced on Wednesday.

The United States, a staunch ally of Israel, is anticipated to veto the request, as it would essentially acknowledge a Palestinian state.Diplomats said that the 15-member council is set to vote on a draft resolution at 3 pm (1900 GMT) this Friday.

The resolution recommends to the 193-member UN General Assembly that "the State of Palestine be admitted to membership of the United Nations," said diplomats.

For a council resolution to pass, it requires a minimum of nine votes in favour and no vetoes from the US, Britain, France, Russia, or China. According to diplomats, the measure might garner support from as many as 13 council members, potentially necessitating the US to exercise its veto power.