UN Security Council to vote Thursday on Palestinian UN membership, say diplomats

The United Nations Security Council is due to vote on Thursday on a Palestinian bid for full UN membership, diplomats said, a move that Israel's ally, the United States, is expected to block because it would effectively recognize a Palestinian state.

The 15-member council had initially been scheduled to vote on the measure on Friday. However, the diplomats said they would vote at 5 pm EDT (2100 GMT) on Thursday.