Israel Urges US to Block Path to Palestinian Statehood Ahead of UNSC Vote

Israeli officials are engaged in a last-ditch effort to persuade the United States to modify a United Nations Security Council resolution on the Gaza peace plan, which was recently amended to include a reference to a "credible pathway to Palestinian statehood." The US-drafted resolution, set to be voted on by the UNSC, would establish a transitional administration and an international stabilization force in Gaza. According to sources, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu informed his cabinet on Sunday that his opposition to a Palestinian state had not wavered, despite the US amendment. The move is seen as a bid to pressure the US to reconsider its stance on Palestinian statehood, which has been a contentious issue in the Middle East for decades. Netanyahu's comments were made a day before the UNSC vote, which is expected to be a closely watched event. The US has been a long-time supporter of Israel, but the recent amendment to the Gaza peace plan has sparked concerns among Israeli officials that the US is shifting its stance on Palestinian statehood. The US-drafted resolution would establish a transitional administration in Gaza, which would be responsible for overseeing the implementation of the peace plan. The resolution would also mandate the deployment of an international stabilization force in Gaza to maintain security and stability in the region. Palestinian officials have welcomed the US amendment, which they see as a significant step towards achieving statehood. "This is a major breakthrough for the Palestinian people," said a senior Palestinian official, who spoke on condition of anonymity. "We have been pushing for recognition of our right to statehood for decades, and this amendment is a significant step in the right direction." However, Israeli officials have expressed concerns that the amendment would undermine Israel's security and sovereignty. "We cannot accept a resolution that recognizes Palestinian statehood," said an Israeli official, who also spoke on condition of anonymity. "This would be a major blow to Israel's security and would undermine our ability to defend ourselves." The UNSC vote is expected to be a closely contested event, with several countries likely to abstain or vote against the resolution. The outcome of the vote will have significant implications for the Middle East peace process, which has been stalled for years. In related news, Israeli protesters demonstrated against Netanyahu in Tel Aviv on November 8, calling for the establishment of a state commission of inquiry into the events of October 7. The protests were sparked by concerns over Netanyahu's handling of the Gaza crisis and his opposition to a Palestinian state. The UNSC vote is scheduled to take place on an unspecified date, with several countries expected to play a key role in the outcome. The US has been working closely with other countries to secure support for the resolution, but it remains unclear whether the amendment will be enough to secure a majority vote. As the UNSC vote approaches, tensions in the Middle East are running high. The outcome of the vote will have significant implications for the region, and it remains to be seen whether the US will be able to secure the necessary support for the resolution.