The United States has expressed its opposition to legislation passed by the Israeli parliament that would prevent the establishment of a US consulate for Palestinians in Jerusalem. The State Department spokesperson stated that the US government has conveyed its disapproval to the Israeli authorities. The Biden administration believes that having a US consulate in Jerusalem would be a crucial means of engaging with and supporting the Palestinian people.
Despite the current situation, the US maintains a team in Jerusalem within the office of Palestinian affairs to manage its relationship with the Palestinian Authority and the Palestinian population. The Knesset recently approved a law that prohibits the setting up of diplomatic missions, such as consulates, in Jerusalem unless they are embassies.
During the previous administration, the US closed its Consulate General in Jerusalem, which had been responsible for diplomatic representation for the Palestinians. This move was made in conjunction with the relocation of the US Embassy to Jerusalem, resulting in the consolidation of diplomatic functions into a single mission.
In May 2021, Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced plans to reopen the consulate in Jerusalem. However, there has been no progress towards the actual reopening in the intervening three years.
