US secretly pushing UNSC members to reject Palestine statehood bid

The revelation was reported on Wednesday by The Intercept, an online American news organization, which cited “unclassified US State Department cables” for its report.

Opposing the statehood on the part of the Council’s member states would obviate a US veto of the prospect, the cables showed.

“We…urge you not to support any potential Security Council resolution recommending the admission of ‘Palestine’ as a UN member state, should such a resolution be presented to the Security Council for a decision in the coming days and weeks,” one cable read.

The countries being railroaded into rejecting the statehood include Malta, the Council’s rotating president.

Ecuador in particular is being asked to lobby Malta and other nations, including France, to oppose UN recognition.

Another cable said, “Ecuador would not want to appear isolated (alone with the United States) in its rejection of a ‘Palestine’ resolution.”

Since 2011, the Security Council has rejected the Palestinian Authority’s request for full member status.

A vote on the statehood could be held on April 18, brought forth by Algeria, which represents Arab nations on the Security Council.

Washington’s drive comes as the Israeli regime’s October 7-present genocidal war on the Gaza Strip has increased sympathy towards Palestinians and international calls for the recognition of the State of Palestine.

On Friday, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong defended her remarks that she made earlier this week that was seen as a hint that Australia could recognize the Palestinian statehood in the near-term.

Last Wednesday, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said that Spain was “ready to recognize the Palestinian state.”

Ireland is also pushing for recognition of the Palestinians' rights with Taoiseach Simon Harris advocating for Palestine’s statehood.