State Dept. to merge Palestinian Affairs Office with U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has announced plans to merge the responsibilities of the Palestinian Affairs Office into the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem. This decision is part of an effort to continue a diplomatic mission in Israel’s capital that was initially put in place by President Donald Trump during his first term in office. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce made the announcement during a press briefing on Tuesday. She stated that this move will restore the framework of a unified U.S. diplomatic mission in Israel’s capital that reports to the U.S. ambassador to Israel.
U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee will be tasked with implementing the necessary changes to facilitate the merger in the coming weeks. The goal of this decision is to strengthen the historic relationship between the United States and Israel, enhance Israel’s security, and work towards securing peace in the region.
The Biden administration had established the U.S. Office of Palestinian Affairs in 2022 after reversing Trump’s closure of the consulate to the Palestinians in Jerusalem during his first administration. Some viewed Biden’s move as a way to reward the Palestinian leadership, particularly in light of a recent act of terrorism where two Palestinians murdered three Israelis in Elad.
During the first Trump administration, groundbreaking agreements known as the Abraham Accords were negotiated in 2020. These agreements aimed to normalize diplomatic relations between Israel and countries like the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Sudan, and Morocco.
The Israeli government strongly opposed the reopening of the Palestinian consulate in Jerusalem, as it would undermine the city’s status as the undivided capital of Israel. The U.S. Jerusalem Embassy Act of 1995 recognizes Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and advocates for it to remain undivided.
In 2017, Trump officially recognized Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and moved the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem the following year. This decision was met with both praise and criticism from various stakeholders in the region.
The merger of the Palestinian Affairs Office with the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem marks a significant shift in diplomatic strategy in the region. It underscores the United States’ commitment to strengthening its ties with Israel and working towards peace and stability in the Middle East.
Greg Wehner is a breaking news reporter for Fox News Digital. Story tips and ideas can be sent to Greg.Wehner@Fox.com and on Twitter @GregWehner.
