The United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has voted to recommend Palestine for full membership.  According to Israeli media, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton issued a warning: “I…would urge the governing body of UNESCO to think again before proceeding with that vote because the decision about status must be made in the United Nations and not in auxiliary groups that are subsidiary to the United Nations.”

The United States has threatened to stop paying its portion of UNESCO funding if it recognizes Palestine as a full member.

UNESCO has the authority to give a country full membership, even if the state is not recognized by the United Nations Security Council.

UNESCO has 58 members.  40 voted in favor of putting the Palestinian matter to a vote.  14 abstained.  The United States, Germany, Romania and Latvia voted no.

The U.S. has also threatened to end financial aid going to Palestinians, if they become a UN recognized state.  Many Israelis are worried that the U.S. will use that to justify ending financial aid to Israel as well.  Aid to Palestinians is a drop in the bucket compared to what the U.S. gives Israel.