Criticism of the opposition over the US decision to upgrade the status of the "Palestinian Department" at the US Embassy in Jerusalem. 'To the US Diplomatic Representation for Judea and Samaria.
It should be noted that in addition to strengthening the strength of the Palestinian Department, it will remain administratively subordinate to the Jerusalem Embassy.
It is estimated that the move is the minimum that the State Department has been able to implement, after its intention to open the Palestinian consulate on Agron Street was blocked.
The administration's decision to upgrade the status of the Palestinian department eliminates some aspect of the historic move taken by former US Ambassador David Friedman, backed by President Trump and then-Secretary of State Mike Pompeo closed the independent "Palestinian consulate" run by Palestinians to treat Palestinians on Jerusalem Street.
Friedman abolished both the administrative independence and the substantive independence that had hitherto been for the consulate.
According to the administration's announcement now, it will regain some of its substantial independence.
It should be noted that until its closure in 2019, the consulate was considered a toxic factor in US-Israel relations, as well as within the State Department itself.
Nir Barkat // Photo: Noam Rivkin Fenton,
Consulate staff represented Palestinian positions vis-à-vis the government, harassed Israeli residents in Judea and Samaria and even confronted the US Embassy in Israel.
MK Nir Barkat accused the government in Jerusalem of the American move.
According to Barkat, "It is inconceivable that the Israeli government has given its consent to the opening of the Palestinian Department of the United States Embassy - a first step on the way to opening a Palestinian consulate in Jerusalem.
I call on the Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister to oppose the decision and publicly declare that Israel will not allow the opening of a Palestinian consulate in the Israeli capital.
Jerusalem is the capital of a united Israel and any concession or compromise will lead to its division and there will be weeping for generations. "
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