Press Releases

Today, Congressman Van Drew issued the following statement on the Biden Administration's plans to re-open a consulate in Jerusalem that would provide diplomatic outreach to the Palestinian Authority (PA). This consulate was shut down under President Trump and was an important step in recognizing Israel's sovereignty over Jerusalem. Congressman Van Drew recently signed onto a letter with 197 of his colleagues expressing opposition to this proposal. 

"President Biden and his administration are attempting to undermine Israel and its efforts in being recognized as an independent, sovereign nation across the globe," said Congressman Van Drew. By re-opening the U.S. consulate to serve Palestinians in Jerusalem, the United States is directly harming one of our allies. Jerusalem is Israel's capital, and President Trump recognized this when he dissolved the consulate in 2018. President Biden's decision to reverse this policy would recognize PA in having legitimacy in Israel's capital and will halt diplomatic strides made in the State. This is another attempt by President Biden to appease his progressive base and he clearly has not actually contemplated the repercussions of allowing the PA to have a presence in a country it refuses to acknowledge exists and actively tries to destroy. Fortunately, President Biden would need support by Israel in order to move forward with this proposal, and Israel has made it clear that would never happen."

Click here to read the full letter.