(JTA) — The United Nations Security Council is scheduled to discuss the Palestinians’ bid for statehood.
The council will take up the issue, likely informally, on Monday. All 15 members of the council already have received the letter of application presented to the council on Sept. 22 by Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas.
Only the Security Council has the authority to admit new member states to the United Nations. There are currently 193 member states.
The five permanent members of the council have veto power; the United States has said it will veto the request.
Due to the veto threat, it is unlikely that a formal vote will be taken in the near future.
