The Biden administration has effectively shelved its efforts to reopen a consulate for Palestinian affairs in Jerusalem, according to Dec. 15 press reports citing unnamed senior American officials. The administration has not confirmed the news. The facility was closed by the Trump administration 2019.

Israeli politicians from both the coalition and the opposition have expressed objections to a possible reopening over the past few months. They include Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and Foreign Minister Yair Lapid, who presented a united front on the issue Nov. 6.

Speaking at a press conference after the approval of the 2021-2022 state budget, Bennett stated, “There is no place for an American consulate that serves the Palestinians in Jerusalem.” He said that this position was clearly conveyed to Washington by himself and by the foreign minister, noting, “We are expressing our position consistently, quietly and without drama, and I hope it is understood. Jerusalem is the capital of Israel alone.”

Lapid went further, saying, “If the Americans want to open a consulate in Ramallah, we have no problem with that,” but “sovereignty in Jerusalem belongs to one country: Israel.”