In the weeks since Israel went to war with the Iranian-backed Hamas terror group, the Biden administration has taken steps to reopen the U.S. consulate general facility in Jerusalem that oversaw relations with the Palestinians. This mission was closed in 2019 after the Trump administration recognized Jerusalem as Israel's unified capital city, in accordance with U.S. law. The Biden administration also wants to reopen the mission of the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) in Washington, D.C., which was shut down in 2018 amid efforts by the PLO to promote terrorism against Israel and block American efforts to foster peace in the region.
A group of 16 Republican senators led by Marco Rubio (R., Fla.) is warning the Biden administration against reopening both Palestinian missions, saying these policies are part of a quiet effort by the Biden administration to walk back the United States' decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's undivided capital, in a letter sent late Monday to the White House.
"We urge you to adhere to U.S. law and ensure both of these diplomatic missions remain closed," write the group of lawmakers, which also includes Sens. Bill Hagerty (R., Tenn.), Tom Cotton (R., Ark.), Chuck Grassley (R., Iowa), Tim Scott (R., S.C.), and Joni Ernst (R., Iowa), among others. "We oppose any efforts by your administration to provide rewards and incentives to the Palestinian leadership or Hamas for their abhorrent support of violence and terrorism."