Obama administration tries to play ref as showdown brews at UN over Israel

A showdown is brewing at the United Nations over a push by Palestinian officials and their allies to formally demand Israel withdraw from the West Bank and East Jerusalem within two years, leaving the Obama administration scrambling to stake out its position and ease tensions.

Palestinian officials originally said their resolution would be submitted for a possible vote Wednesday. But with the U.S. likely to veto, that vote may be postponed.

Secretary of State John Kerry on Tuesday urged against anything that interferes or "might be perceived as interfering" in...