Mr Abbas earlier said he was willing to meet Mr Netanyahu but was determined to push ahead with a bid for UN recognition of a Palestinian state.

The US and Israel oppose the bid and there has been intense diplomacy to avert a crisis over the move. Peace talks between the Palestinians and Israel broke down a year ago.

The Palestinians are seeking international recognition of their state based on the borders that existed in 1967. This would give the Palestinians the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip.

Israel and the US say a Palestinian state can only be achieved through direct negotiation, but the Palestinian leadership says this approach has got them nowhere.

Mr Abbas has said he will launch the process on Friday, when he submits a written request to UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon after his address to the General Assembly.

If approved by Mr Ban, the Security Council then examines the request and votes on it. In order to pass, the request must get the votes of nine out of 15 council members, with no vetoes from the permanent members. The US has said it will use its veto.

In this case, Mr Abbas could ask for a vote of the General Assembly for enhanced observer status.