US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's announcement to close the Office for Palestinian Affairs (OPA) in Jerusalem marks a significant triumph for Israel's sovereignty over its capital. Located on Agron Street in West Jerusalem, this office was a direct challenge to Israel's claim to Jerusalem as its indivisible and eternal capital. Its closure puts an end to a diplomatic anomaly established under the Biden-Bennett administration, one that defied international diplomatic norms.
Just six months ago, Israel's Knesset – backed by both coalition and opposition members – passed an amendment to the Basic Law affirming Jerusalem as Israel's capital. Despite intense diplomatic pressure, the amendment, spearheaded by MKs Dan Illouz and Zeev Elkin, was approved in its second and third readings. Its purpose was unequivocal: to prohibit the establishment of consulates serving foreign entities in Israel's capital. The law specifically aimed to block consulates catering to Palestinians, which would have lent credence to the flawed two-state solution narrative and implicitly recognized a Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital.
The timing of this legislation, just before the US presidential election, was strategic. Had the Democrats won and Kamala Harris become president, she might have pushed to fulfill her pledge to open a Palestinian consulate in Jerusalem. Thanks to this law, such a move has been legally impossible since November 2024.
Under the Bennett-Lapid government, the Biden administration backed the creation of the Office for Palestinian Affairs on Agron Street in West Jerusalem. While not officially labeled a consulate or embassy, the OPA operates as an independent diplomatic entity, bypassing the authority of the official US Embassy in Israel – the one President Trump courageously relocated to Jerusalem. Reporting directly to Washington on Palestinian issues, the OPA was a diplomatic absurdity and an affront to Israel, undermining its sovereignty over its capital.
The OPA's activities have had serious consequences. Over the past two years, it fueled undemocratic sanctions against Israeli citizens and organizations, such as Tsav 9, including bank account freezes without investigation or legal recourse, based on baseless accusations of "settler violence." The office also supported the Palestinian Authority's illegal expansion in Area C of Judea and Samaria and propagated false narratives about Israelis living there. Moreover, Biden administration pressures, such as threats to halt arms deliveries to the IDF and the cancellation of approximately 130 D-9 bulldozers, are now known to have cost Israeli soldiers' lives. Deprived of proper equipment, the IDF was forced to rely on existing tractors, exposing troops to greater risks from explosive devices.
The United States is not alone in disrespecting Israel's sovereignty over its capital. France maintains a consulate in Jerusalem exclusively dedicated to Palestinian affairs, which has been at the center of numerous diplomatic scandals. In November 2024, a bodyguard from this consulate sparked an incident with Israeli police at the Eleona Church during a visit by French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot. More alarmingly, in 2018, consulate staff were arrested for using diplomatic vehicles to smuggle firearms into Judea and Samaria.
Allowing friendly nations to operate Palestinian diplomatic offices in Jerusalem is unacceptable. The announcement of the closure of the OPA is thus a resounding victory for Israel. Jerusalem is non-negotiable: it is the historic capital of the Jewish people in the State of Israel. Permitting any country – even our closest ally – to maintain diplomatic offices representing our enemies in our capital is intolerable. This decision strengthens Israel's position and reaffirms that any peace process must recognize Jerusalem as its indivisible capital. We hope Secretary Rubio's principled move inspires the Israeli government to demand the closure of France's Palestinian consulate in Jerusalem. A nation that does not uphold its sovereignty in its capital will never secure lasting peace.
