(AbsoluteNews.com) – In May, Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced the US planned to reopen its consulate that served as de facto Palestinian embassy in Jerusalem. Former President Donald Trump shuttered the consulate in 2019. Recently, the administration made it clear it would move forward with the plans, but Republicans are objecting.
On November 1, 200 Republicans sent a letter to President Joe Biden objecting to the decision. The lawmakers said he’s violating the Jerusalem Embassy Act of 1995, which he voted for, to reopen the consulate. The law recognized the sacred holy city as the capital of Israel and set aside funds for the relocation of the US embassy. Trump moved the US embassy there in 2018, but the lawmakers say Biden is trying to destroy his predecessor’s legacy.
The Biden Admin must not betray our alliance with Israel by reopening the US Consulate in Jerusalem, which is being pushed by the PA to divide Israel's capital. I was proud to lead a letter this AM to @POTUS, signed by 200 House Republicans, laying out our strong opposition. pic.twitter.com/oFAzqCi2m2
— Lee Zeldin (@LeeMZeldin) November 1, 2021
The letter states that by opening the consulate for Palestine, the president would “essentially have two separate diplomatic missions” in the capital. Further, it would reward the Palestinian Authority, which they say is “engaging in real obstacles of peace.”
Republicans aren’t the only ones who object to the move. Israel has also expressed opposition, saying it could destabilize the new government.
The Biden administration has not responded to Republican lawmakers.
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