US cues upgrade of diplomatic mission to Palestinians
Al JazeeraSep 09, 2022
US to Reopen Separate Diplomatic Communication Line for Palestine
Image copyright: AP [via Independent]
The Facts
The Biden admin. announced Thurs. that they're restoring a line of communication between the US and Palestine that had previously been canceled by former Pres. Trump.
The Palestinian Affairs Unit (PAU) had been operating within the US embassy in Israel, but will now report directly to the State Dept.'s Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs. The PAU has also changed its name to the US Office of Palestinian Affairs (OPA).
The Spin
Pro-Palestine narrative
This is one positive step closer to reopening the US consulate to Palestine in East Jerusalem. Israel illegally annexed the region in 1967 and this is part of what's needed for Palestine to officially regain legitimacy and establish a capital of the Palestinian State.
Pro-Israel narrative
Biden needs to be careful. If the US continues down this path towards reopening the Palestinian consulate and possibly even recognizing Jerusalem as the Palestinian capital, they risk violating the 1995 Jerusalem Embassy Act that states Jerusalem should remain an undivided city which Israel has declared sovereignty over.