The Biden government exposed its Israel-Palestine policy to the UN Security Council on Tuesday, stressing the importance of restoring ties with the Palestinian Authority.
Driving 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 the demolition of Palestinian homes by Israel, and incitement and payments to terrorists by the Palestinians.
One of the main actors in the elaboration of these policies, Hady Amr will also play a key role in its implementation as an assistant under secretary of state for Israel-Palestine. Amr is highly respected by the Palestinian authorities, who see him as a balanced actor.
- Amr’s job at the State Department is his fifth executive position. He previously served in the Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security.
- Under Obama, Amr served as Deputy Special Envoy for Economy and Gaza, working with the Special Envoy for Israeli-Palestinian negotiations, Martin Indyk.
- One of Amr’s teammates at that time was Julie Sawyer, the new director for Israel-Palestine at the Biden National Security Council.
What to watch: The Biden government does not plan 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 can have significant influence.
- It remains to be seen who will be chosen as assistant secretary for Near Eastern affairs and ambassador to Israel.