A State Department official called on the Palestinians to abandon their quest for statehood recognition at the United Nations, saying it would damage peace efforts with Israel.

“We continue to make clear to the Palestinian Authority leadership at all levels … that we continue to oppose any efforts to advance their cause through the U.N. before they have had a full settlement with Israel. That’s not the right sequence, and it’s not going to lead to peace,” said spokesperson Victoria Nuland.

“It is not our impression,” she added, “that there are any gaps in understanding on the Palestinian side in terms of what our legislative requirements are.”

The United States has consistently opposed the Palestinians’ efforts at the United Nations in recent years. Congress has passed legislation threatening to cut off aid to the Palestinian Authority if it continues with its campaign.