Just over a week before Biden's visit to the region, the Palestinians are not encouraged by the signals they receive from Washington.
In Ramallah, it is understood that a political breakthrough in the peace process will probably not happen during the twilight period of the transitional government in Israel, and that the visit of the American president will not bring a real message that will satisfy them.
Still, Israelis and Americans are preparing a package of gestures and steps towards the Palestinians ahead of the visit, first and foremost to maintain a constructive and positive atmosphere, and especially to instill in them the feeling that they have not been abandoned.
Since the publication of the findings of the American investigation into the case of Sheerin Abu Akala, Abu Mazen and the PA, it has been subject to criticism by the Palestinian public.
Many accuse the PA of "making a deal with the Americans that led to the acquittal of Israel, thereby betraying the Palestinian issue in exchange for a meeting with Biden and economic benefits."
This in itself may actually cloud the atmosphere and affect Biden's visit to Bethlehem, but on the other hand it also provides Abu Mazen with an "excuse" to extort from the Americans additional compensation for the chain of promises the administration has made to the Palestinians and has not fulfilled.
In talks with members of the American staff, the Palestinians continue to demand the actual opening of the consulate in Jerusalem.
However, they also understand that the administration will not surprise Israel with an official and binding declaration on this issue.
"The chances of that happening are less likely now, but we at least expect to hear once again an American commitment and a statement of intent on this matter," Ramallah said.
All sides are aware that the conditions for initiating an Israeli-Palestinian bilateral political move at this time are not yet ripe.
In this situation, the leadership in Ramallah will at least try to get guarantees or promises for a political horizon.
This is important both for visibility, but also for the dignity, and legitimacy of the Palestinian leader.
In this way, Abu Mazen will be able to justify to his public opinion his agreement to "be satisfied" with economic-civic gestures.
After all, his public is used to a leader who usually goes all out and insists on accepting the real thing here and now: "Establishing a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital."
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