State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce told reporters Secretary of State Marco Rubio plans to merge the responsibilities of the Palestinian Affairs Office with the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem. (State Department)
"The United States remains committed to its historic relationship with Israel, bolstering Israel's security and securing peace to create a better life for the entire region," Bruce said.
The Biden administration established the U.S. Office of Palestinian Affairs in 2022 after reversing Trump’s closure of the consulate to the Palestinians in Jerusalem during his first administration.
TRUMP OFFICIALLY RECOGNIZES JERUSALEM AS ISRAEL'S CAPITAL CITY, ORDERS EMBASSY MOVE FOR US
A road sign indicates the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem. (Hillel Maeir/TPS)
The Israeli government vehemently opposed a reopening of the Palestinian consulate in Jerusalem because it would undercut the holy city as the undivided capital of Israel.
The U.S. Jerusalem Embassy Act of 1995 recognizes Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and calls for it to remain an undivided city.
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Trump, in 2017, recognized Jerusalem as Israel’s capital in 2017 and moved the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem the following year.
Fox News’ Benjamin Weinthal contributed to this report.
Greg Wehner is a breaking news reporter for Fox News Digital.
Story tips and ideas can be sent to Greg.Wehner@Fox.com and on Twitter @GregWehner.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/state-department-merge-palestinian-affairs-office-us-embassy-jerusalem