The United States has ordered its Jerusalem diplomatic mission to pressure Palestinian officials to abandon their candidacy for a UN General Assembly vice presidency position, according to a leaked State Department cable reported by The Guardian.
The diplomatic communication, dated May 19, directed the US embassy in Jerusalem to formally protest to Palestinian Authority officials and demand withdrawal of the candidacy by May 22. The message warned that consequences would result if the bid continued.
The report indicates Washington connected this matter to larger conflicts over Palestinian diplomatic efforts and financial disputes. The cable specified that Palestinians would see no advancement in retrieving tax and customs revenues held back by Israel unless they engage in good faith without taking disagreements to international courts.
These revenues represent 60% of the PA’s budget. The money has been mostly held back since the Gaza conflict started in October 2023 under policies put in place by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich.
The message also mentioned previous US pressure regarding UN leadership positions. It commended Palestinian envoy Riyad Mansour for pulling his candidacy for General Assembly president in February after American lobbying. The cable indicated Mansour had understood the seriousness of the matter and wanted to be constructive.
Palestinians are competing as part of a four-nation Asia-Pacific group for vice-presidential spots at the General Assembly. Though the position carries less authority than the presidency, the cable observed that vice presidents could be asked to chair assembly sessions.
The document stated: “In a worst case scenario, the next PGA [president of the general assembly] might assist the Palestinians in presiding over high-profile sessions related to the Middle East or during UNGA81 high-level week,” referring to September meetings and speeches scheduled in New York.
The communication also claimed the Palestinian candidacy “undermines President Trump’s Comprehensive Plan,” citing the US-backed Gaza ceasefire proposal and the Board of Peace.
The cable declared: “To be clear. We will hold the PA responsible if the Palestinian delegation does not withdraw its VPGA candidacy, and consequences will follow.”
The document further mentioned the temporary cancellation of visas for Palestinian officials before last August’s UN summit week, though the restrictions were eventually removed. “It would be unfortunate to have to revisit any available options,” the cable warned.
US officials refused to provide comment on The Guardian’s reporting.
