US, Israel to hold discreet discussions on reopening of US consulate in Jerusalem: report

October 21, 2021

The United States and Israel are planning to create a joint team to discuss reopening the US consulate in Jerusalem, according to a new report.

During their meeting in Washington last week, Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid reportedly discussed the issue of the consulate, which was shut down by former President Donald Trump in 2019, according to Axios, which cited Israeli officials.

Senior officials under Israel Prime Minister Naftali Bennett are allegedly wary of reopening the consulate, citing that it could destabilize their ideologically diverse coalition.

“I don’t know how to hold this coalition together if you reopen the consulate,” Lapid said last week, per the report.

Blinken reportedly told the foreign minister that he recognized their position and wanted to start a discussion towards a solution. The secretary of state suggested creating a team including himself, Lapid and one or two aides from either side to further discussions, per the report. The team would have “maximum discretion.”

During their meeting in Washington last week, Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid reportedly discussed the consulate situation.

Andrew Harnik/Pool via REUTERS

While Lapid allegedly agreed, he is looking to pause discussions around the consulate until after Israel passes a federal budget in November.

The discussions come amid a year of division in Israel, particularly between Israelis and Palestinians in Jerusalem.

The U.S. has pledged to re-establishing its diplomatic outreach to Palestinians, which used to be based out of the consulate. The move has sparked concern among Israelis, who believe the move could breach their sovereignty over Jerusalem, while Palestinians look to reinforce their claim over part of the city.

Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid is looking to pause discussions around the consulate until after Israel passes a federal budget in November.

AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, Pool

There is no set timeline for reopening the consulate.

During a news conference last week, Blinken affirmed the decision to move “forward with the process of opening a consulate as part of deepening of those ties with the Palestinians.”

Under the Trump administration, the consulate was absorbed into the US embassy when it moved from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. If reopened, the consulate would be separate from the embassy, leaving it in place.

The US and Israel are planning to create a team to discuss reopening the US consulate in Jerusalem.

THOMAS COEX/AFP via Getty Images

Lapid also met with National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan during his trip to Washington last week where the two discussed the US’s “unwavering support” for Israel’s security and the country’s commitment to strengthening the two nation’s partnership.

According to the White House, Sullivan also “emphasized the importance of practical steps to improve the lives of the Palestinians.”

[ad_2]

Also Read: Hollywood News | Latest World News | Latest Dubai News

[ad_2]

Also Read: Israel’s security service takes over probe of Jewish-Arab attacks

US, Israel to hold discreet discussions on reopening of US consulate in Jerusalem: report

Leave a reply Cancel reply

Read Also:

Madonna Calls Out 50 Cent For “Talking” Smack About Her Risqué...

Tristan Thompson Allegedly Expecting Baby 3, Woman Sues for Child Support

Machine Gun Kelly Joined By Daughter Casie At ‘The Last Son’...

Social Distance, Science and Fantasy

Canada added 154,000 jobs last month, pushing jobless rate down to...

EDITOR PICKS

Hydroponics – Growing Without Soil

Breakthrough for Saregama Carvaan Go Maker, Saregama| Signs a deal with...

What Books To Read? |List of Top 10 Powerful books to...

POPULAR POSTS

Claudia Conway Topless Pic Posted on Kellyanne’s Twitter

Boutique Names List in Hindi

COVID-19: Your guide to Dubai’s One Central Vaccination Centre

POPULAR CATEGORY