The UN's main human rights watchdog is gearing up for a debate on a damning report into Israel's military operation against Gaza eight months ago.
It is seen as a test of US engagement with the Human Rights Council, which was shunned by President George W Bush.
The US, which is Israel's main ally, has criticised elements of the report.
The report, widely lauded by human rights groups, accuses both Israel and its militant Palestinian adversary Hamas of war crimes in the campaign.
The council was founded three years ago, after criticism of its predecessor that it turned a blind eye to many human rights abuses while having an in-built anti-Israel bias.
The Bush administration took no part in the new body, but the Obama administration sought a seat on the council after it came to power in January.
Israel refused to co-operate with investigations by the respected South African judge Richard Goldstone into alleged human rights violations by both sides during the Gaza conflict in December 2008 and January 2009. read more
