In a decision marking a new chapter in U.S.-Israel relations, Ambassador Mike Huckabee has opted to eliminate the previously established direct communication line between the Office of Palestinian Affairs and Washington, a move interpreted as a reduction of the U.S. commitment to Palestinian issues.
U.S. Shifts Approach to Palestinian Affairs, Ending Direct Communications Channel
U.S. Shifts Approach to Palestinian Affairs, Ending Direct Communications Channel
The U.S. plans to merge the Office of Palestinian Affairs into its Jerusalem Embassy, signaling a significant policy change.
In a recent development regarding U.S.-Israeli relations, the new U.S. ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, has decided to abolish a vital direct communication channel between U.S. diplomats in Jerusalem and agencies in Washington concerning Palestinian affairs. This shift, confirmed by unnamed U.S. officials, indicates a decisive change in how the U.S. perceives and engages with Palestinian matters, reflecting a broader shift in policy focus.
The Office of Palestinian Affairs, which had enjoyed a unique operational status, allowing it to send direct communications to Washington without prior approval from the embassy hierarchy, is now set to lose that autonomy. The office’s responsibilities include maintaining contact with senior Palestinian officials and reporting on key issues affecting the Palestinian territories, which are considered internationally distinct from Israeli governance.
This decision follows Ambassador Huckabee's recent consultation with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and marks one of his most defining actions since his appointment in April. Lourdes Lamela, currently acting head of the Office of Palestinian Affairs, has been informed of this significant policy change.
In a statement made during an afternoon news conference, State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce conveyed that Secretary Rubio has opted to fully integrate the Office of Palestinian Affairs into the broader embassy functions, a merger that Huckabee is slated to oversee in the upcoming weeks. This strategic decision highlights a potential recalibration of U.S. diplomatic efforts and its engagement in the region.
The Office of Palestinian Affairs, which had enjoyed a unique operational status, allowing it to send direct communications to Washington without prior approval from the embassy hierarchy, is now set to lose that autonomy. The office’s responsibilities include maintaining contact with senior Palestinian officials and reporting on key issues affecting the Palestinian territories, which are considered internationally distinct from Israeli governance.
This decision follows Ambassador Huckabee's recent consultation with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and marks one of his most defining actions since his appointment in April. Lourdes Lamela, currently acting head of the Office of Palestinian Affairs, has been informed of this significant policy change.
In a statement made during an afternoon news conference, State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce conveyed that Secretary Rubio has opted to fully integrate the Office of Palestinian Affairs into the broader embassy functions, a merger that Huckabee is slated to oversee in the upcoming weeks. This strategic decision highlights a potential recalibration of U.S. diplomatic efforts and its engagement in the region.
