It would seem that under a giant complex spending bill passed in December to fund the US budget through the fiscal year 2015, any move to haul Israel before the ICC and impose charges of war crimes would trigger a freeze on US aid to the Palestinians.

Psaki suggested that unlike in other foreign aid issues, US Secretary of State John Kerry would not have the power to waive the freeze.

"On waiver authority, I don't believe that applies here," she said.

She reiterated that the US administration believed the Palestinian bid to join the ICC was "entirely counter-productive and does nothing to further the aspirations of the Palestinian people for a sovereign and independent state".

After the Palestinians won the upgraded UN rank of observer state in November 2012, Israel froze the tax monies and also announced plans for 3,000 homes in a highly sensitive area of the West Bank, as well as in annexed east Jerusalem, triggering a furious response from the international community.

While the United States has a wide range of responses to the Palestinian move, it would seem the administration is waiting to see what the new incoming Republican-led Congress will do when it convenes on Tuesday.

"I don't have anything else to preview for you," Psaki stressed.

"The next step would be Congress deciding what step or action they may take as it relates to assistance."

It would seem that under a giant complex spending bill passed in December to fund the US budget through the fiscal year 2015, any move to haul Israel before the ICC and impose charges of war crimes would trigger a freeze on US aid to the Palestinians.

Psaki suggested that unlike in other foreign aid issues, US Secretary of State John Kerry would not have the power to waive the freeze.

"On waiver authority, I don't believe that applies here," she said.

She reiterated that the US administration believed the Palestinian bid to join the ICC was "entirely counter-productive and does nothing to further the aspirations of the Palestinian people for a sovereign and independent state".

After the Palestinians won the upgraded UN rank of observer state in November 2012, Israel froze the tax monies and also announced plans for 3,000 homes in a highly sensitive area of the West Bank, as well as in annexed east Jerusalem, triggering a furious response from the international community.

While the United States has a wide range of responses to the Palestinian move, it would seem the administration is waiting to see what the new incoming Republican-led Congress will do when it convenes on Tuesday.

"I don't have anything else to preview for you," Psaki stressed.

"The next step would be Congress deciding what step or action they may take as it relates to assistance."

PHOTO CAPTION

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas addresses the 69th session of the United Nations General Assembly at U.N. headquarters. Israeli leaders on Sunday, Jan. 4, 2015.

Aljazeera