Opponents to the release of the first 26 of 104 Palestinian prisoners before peace talks resume have 48 hours in which to appeal.

The UN Security Council is beginning negotiations on the Palestinian bid for UN membership as pressure mounts for new Palestinian-Israeli talks.

Palestinian Authority leader Mahmoud Abbas announced last week the PLO would seek recognition in the UNSC of a Palestinian state within Israel.

US President Barack Obama has invited Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the White House next week.