Netanyahu calls UN 'house of lies' before Jerusalem vote

Jerusalem: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu slammed the UN as the "house of lies" ahead of a UN vote on Thursday against the US recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital.

"The state of Israel flatly rejects this vote even before it is held," Netanyahu said. "Jerusalem is our capital. We will continue to build in it and foreign embassies, led by the US embassy, will move to Jerusalem. It will happen."

He also thanked US President Donald Trump, who threatened on Wednesday to cut aid to countries that will vote in favour of the UN resolution, Efe news reported.

The UN General Assembly is set to vote on a resolution, calling Washington to withdraw its recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital.

Trump's announcement on Jerusalem's status on December 6 triggered violent clashes between Israeli security forces and Palestinians across the West Bank and Gaza Strip as well as widespread international protests.

Israel seized East Jerusalem in the 1967 Middle East war and annexed it shortly later, a move which was not recognized by the international community.