An internal document says Palestinians must prepare for possible harsh reactions by the U.S. and Israel if they go ahead with plans to seek U.N. recognition of "Palestine" as a non-member observer state in the General Assembly.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, backed by Arab League, is ready to take this step but hasn't decided on when. A senior Palestinian official says Abbas leans towards waiting until after the U.S. presidential election, in line with a U.S. request. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue.
The document, obtained Thursday, outlines possible repercussions, including a suspension of U.S. aid and additional Israeli restrictions on Palestinian movement.
A U.N. recognition would affirm the West Bank, Gaza and east Jerusalem as the components of a Palestinian state.
