A draft UN resolution calls on Israel to freeze construction and demolition of homes in the West Bank. Photo: James Emery.

New Zealand is preparing a UN Security Council resolution calling on Israel to freeze construction and home demolitions in the West Bank, as well as urging the Palestinians to desist from taking steps against Israel at the International Criminal Court in The Hague, as part of a series of confidence-building steps ahead of a hoped-for resumption of peace talks.

New Zealand, a non-permanent Security Council member for the last year, has planned to disseminate the draft resolution for some time, but relented following a request by the United States. In view of the escalation of tension around the Temple Mount, it has decided to renew its motion, handing it out last Friday to the other 14 Security Council members. Haaretz has obtained a copy.

Read full story at Haaretz.