RAMALLAH, West Bank (AP) — A leading Palestinian official says the Palestinians will ask the U.N. Security Council to support their statehood bid — something that would set the stage for a showdown with the U.S.

The Palestinians’ general plan to approach the United Nations has long been known, but Sunday’s comments by legislator Hanan Ashrawi are the first clear indication they plan to take their bid to the Security Council, despite an expected U.S. veto.

She says the Palestinians hope the U.S. will abstain rather than veto a statehood request.

Ashrawi says the Palestinians would also seek the backing of the U.N. General Assembly, where majority support is assured.

General Assembly endorsement, however, would only win the Palestinians a symbolic success.

Ashrawi said no date has been set for submitting the bid.