The US suspended its efforts to reopen an independent diplomatic mission in the capital that would serve Palestinians, the Times of Israel reported on Wednesday.
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According to the report, President Joe Biden's administration has yet to make a final decision on aborting these efforts. However, sources told the paper that for all intents and purposes the election pledge has been put on hold and that for the time being, the Palestinian Affairs Unit within the embassy will handle Palestinian matters and will report directly to Washington, like the US Consulate General did until it was shut down.
That independent Consulate General, which reported directly to the State Department rather than to the ambassador, was folded into the US Embassy in 2019 after then-President Donald Trump moved the ambassador's residence and official offices to the capital.
The Biden administration's efforts to reopen it have been met by strong opposition within Israel and among Israeli allies in the US, and according to the report in the Times of Israel, the apparent suspension comes in response to pressure from pro-Israel advocacy groups and Republican lawmakers in the US Congress.
According to one source who spoke with TOI, the US's posture comes in anticipation of a rift with Israel over Iran and the administration prefers to avoid another point of friction with the Jewish state.
In response to a report Likud MK Nir Barkat, who served as Jerusalem mayor, issued the following statement:
"Several months ago, I took on the task of preventing the establishment of a Palestinian consulate in Jerusalem. Together with partners in Israel and abroad, we initiated a process. In recent months, I traveled to Washington three times to sit with senators and members of Congress to discuss the problematic issue and persuade them to take action.
"In parallel to the bill I submitted in the Knesset, these lawmakers initiated their own legislative process in Congress. It's apparent that, at this stage, we have succeeded in stopping this dangerous measure. We will not remain complacent and will continue our efforts to protect our holy and eternal capital city of Jerusalem. I wish to extend my sincerest gratitude and appreciation to our partners in this critical effort."
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