The Biden administration on Tuesday outlined its Israeli-Palestinian policy to the UN Security Council, stressing the importance of repairing ties with the Palestinian Authority.
Leading the news: Under the new policies, the US will resume aid to the Palestinians and reopen the PLO office in Washington and the consulate in Jerusalem.
- The Biden administration will oppose the annexation, construction of settlements and demolition of Palestinian housing by Israel, and the incitement and payments to terrorists by the Palestinians.
One of the key players in developing these policies, Hady Amr, will also play a key role in his implementation as Deputy Secretary of State for Israel-Palestine. Amr is highly respected by Palestinian officials, who see him as a balanced actor.
- Amr’s job in the State Department is his fifth place in the executive branch. He previously served in the Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security.
- Under Obama, Amr served as deputy special envoy for the economy and Gaza, working with the special envoy for Israeli-Palestinian negotiations, Martin Indyk.
- One of Amr’s colleagues from that period was Julie Sawyer, the new director of Israel-Palestine on the Biden National Security Council.
What to see: The Biden administration has no plans to appoint a special envoy for the Israeli-Palestinian peace process.
- The issue will be dealt with primarily by the State Department, which means Amr could have a significant influence.
- It remains to be seen who will be chosen as Deputy Secretary for Middle East Affairs and Ambassador to Israel.