The Biden administration presented its Israeli-Palestinian policy to the UN Security Council on Tuesday, stressing the importance of repairing ties with the Palestinian Authority.
News management: 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 homes by Israel, as well as the incitement and payment of terrorists by Palestinians.
One of the key players in developing these policies, Hady Amr will also play a key role in their implementation as Deputy Secretary of State for Israel-Palestine. Amr is highly respected by Palestinian officials, who consider him a balanced actor.
- Amr’s job at the State Department is his fifth position in the executive branch. He previously worked for the Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security.
- Under Obama, Amr served as deputy special envoy for the economy and Gaza, collaborating with special envoy for Israeli-Palestinian negotiations Martin Indyk.
- One of Amr’s teammates at the time was Julie Sawyer, the new director for Israel-Palestine in Biden’s National Security Council.
What to look for: The Biden administration does not intend to appoint a special envoy for the Israeli-Palestinian peace process.
- The issue will be addressed mainly by the State Department, which means that Amr could have a significant influence.
- It remains to be seen who will be elected assistant secretary for Middle East affairs and ambassador to Israel.