The US envoy to the UN has taken sides with Israel against a UN report concluding that Israeli troops committed war crimes in the Gaza Strip during its recent offensive.

"Member states must once and for all replace anti-Israeli vitriol with recognition of Israel’s legitimacy and right to exist in peace and security," said Ambassador Susan Rice in a conference in Jerusalem (al-Quds) on Wednesday.

"We will stand by our friends on the frontlines and we will uphold the inalienable right to self-defense," Rice added.

She made the remarks as the UN General Assembly is expected to discuss the report prepared by former South African judge, Richard Goldstone, by the end of the year after it was endorsed by the Human Rights Council.

The report by a team of experts led by Goldstone, said Israel used disproportionate force and failed to protect civilians during its December 27 – January 18 offensive against the Palestinians in Gaza.

Israeli President Shimon Peres, however, condemned the report on Wednesday, saying "It is outrageous that a respected institution like the United Nations provides a platform to spread lies and stories about Israel."

Goldstone recommended referring the report’s conclusions to the International Criminal Court prosecutor in The Hague, if Israel fails to conduct credible investigations within six months.

(Press TV)