Israeli minister on reopening of US Consulate to serve Palestinians in Jerusalem: ‘No way’

There is “no way” that Israel will agree to have the United States reopen its consulate dedicated to Palestinian affairs in Jerusalem, Israeli Justice Minister Gideon Saar said, according to a report by The Washington Post.

Saar repeatedly reiterated his stark opposition to reopening the consulate — regardless of the Biden administration’s influence — when he was pressed on the matter during a conference on Tuesday. His staunch refusal was met with applause from the audience, per the Post.

“I spoke with [Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett] a couple of times on the issue. We are on the same page, and we don’t see differently,” Saar added. “Someone said it’s an electoral commitment. But for us, it’s a generation’s commitment. We will not compromise on this.”

The State Department did not immediately respond to The Hill for comment on the reported remarks.

The U.S. has said it intends to reopen its consulate in Jerusalem that traditionally engaged with Palestinians, meaning Saar’s remarks could set up a conflict between the U.S. and Israel. 

The Post reported the issue could come up at talks between the country this week.