US puts pressure on Palestinian leaders to withdraw bid for UN vice-presidency role
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- The United States has reportedly pressured Palestinian leadership to withdraw a bid for a UN General Assembly vice-presidency role.
- A State Department cable warned of possible “consequences” if the Palestinian Authority did not comply.
The United States has instructed its diplomatic mission in Jerusalem to pressure the Palestinian leadership into withdrawing its bid for a vice-presidency position at the United Nations General Assembly, according to a State Department cable cited by The Guardian.
The move reflects Washington’s concern that the role could give the Palestinian delegation greater influence over procedural control during high-level UN sessions.
‘US’ warns of “consequences”
A 19 May cable reportedly directed US diplomats to issue a formal protest to the Palestinian Authority, urging it to abandon the candidacy by 22 May.
It warned that “consequences will follow” if the request was ignored, escalating diplomatic pressure ahead of the upcoming election of UN General Assembly vice-presidents on 2 June.
The Palestinians are competing for one of 16 vice-presidency seats, which rotate among regional groups and can include limited procedural authority in assembly proceedings.
According to the cable, US officials feared the position could allow Palestinian representatives to preside over high-profile debates on the Middle East during the upcoming General Assembly session.
It also referenced concerns that Palestinian officials could use the role to elevate international attention on disputes involving the region.
The document described previous US pressure that led Palestinian envoy Riyad Mansour to withdraw a separate candidacy earlier this year, framing it as evidence of constructive engagement.
The communication reportedly raised the possibility of revoking visas for Palestinian UN officials, recalling earlier restrictions imposed during previous UN meetings.
It also warned of potential impacts on Palestinian access to financial transfers, including tax revenues collected and withheld by the ‘Israeli’ government, which form a major share of Palestinian Authority income.
The withheld funds have been a point of tension since the outbreak of the Gaza war in October 2023, with ‘Israeli’ Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich previously backing measures to limit financial flows to the Palestinian Authority.
The reported pressure comes amid widening diplomatic friction between Washington and Palestinian representatives over international recognition efforts and procedural roles within UN institutions.
The outcome of the vice-presidency vote is expected on 2 June during the General Assembly’s organizational session in New York.
