Jerusalem (Agencies): The Israeli Knesset has approved a bill that prohibits the establishment of consulates in Jerusalem that are intended to serve Palestinians.
The legislation, passed by a vote of 29-7, amends the Basic Law: Jerusalem, Capital of Israel, and stipulates that no new consulates will be established in Jerusalem, while encouraging countries to establish embassies in the Israeli capital.
The bill, co-sponsored by MKs Ze’ev Elkin and Dan Illouz, aims to reinforce Israel’s sovereignty over Jerusalem and prevent any diplomatic missions that could challenge this status.
The legislation will not affect consulates currently operating in Jerusalem.
The move comes amid concerns that the U.S. might seek to reopen its consulate in Jerusalem to serve the Palestinian Authority, a move that Israel opposes.
The U.S. State Department has expressed its displeasure with the legislation, emphasizing the importance of reopening the consulate to engage with and support the Palestinian people.