A little less than two weeks before US President Joe Biden is set to land in the region, the Palestinians are not encouraged by the signals they have received from Washington.
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In Ramallah, Palestinian Authority officials understand that a diplomatic breakthrough likely won't occur amid the twilight period of Israel's interim government; and because Biden isn't coming with any new tidings from their perspective. And yet, the Israelis and Americans are preparing a package of gestures for the Palestinians ahead of the visit, first to maintain a positive and constructive atmosphere, and mainly to give them the sense they haven't been abandoned.
Ever since the Americans on Monday released their forensic findings from the investigation into the death of Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh, PA President Mahmoud Abbas and the PA have been under fire from the Palestinian public. Many accuse the PA of "making a deal with the Americans that led to Israel's acquittal, essentially betraying the Palestinian cause in exchange for a meeting with Biden for the sake of economic benefits."
While this public pressure could muddy the atmosphere and negatively impact Biden's visit to Bethlehem, it could also provide Abbas with enough ammunition to "squeeze" additional compensation from the Americans.
In conversations with the Americans ahead of Biden's visit, the Palestinians have persisted in their request for a US consulate in Jerusalem. With that, they understand the administration won't catch Israel off guard with any official announcement on the matter.
"The chance of this happening is less likely right now, but we at least expect to hear another American commitment and declaration of intent on this issue," said one PA official.
All the sides are aware that the current conditions aren't ripe for restarting bilateral talks between Israel and the Palestinians. On this front, the PA will seek guarantees or promises from the US. This is not only important for appearances' sake, but also for Abbas' prestige and legitimacy in the eyes of a public that has grown increasingly wary of his rule.
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