US puts pressure on Palestinian leaders to withdraw bid for UN vice-presidency role
Jerusalem embassy told to issue protest to Palestinian Authority leaders, warning ‘consequences will follow’ if they do not comply
TL;DR
- The US has demanded the Palestinian Authority withdraw its bid for a UN general assembly vice-president position.
- A formal protest (demarche) was to be issued by the US embassy in Jerusalem to Palestinian leadership.
- The US fears the role could allow Palestinians to chair high-profile Middle East debates.
- The US warned that 'consequences will follow' if the bid is not withdrawn.
- Potential consequences include revoking visas for Palestinian UN officials and withholding tax and customs revenue from Israel.
- Riyad Mansour previously withdrew his candidacy for assembly president after US lobbying.
- The US argues the bid undermines President Trump's peace plan for Gaza.