U.S. shutters consulate in Jerusalem, downgrading Palestinian mission

The United States has closed its Jerusalem consulate, which for several decades served as a de facto embassy to the Palestinians.

Now, outreach will be conducted through a Palestinian affairs unit at the U.S. Embassy, which was relocated from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem last year. U.S. Ambassador to Israel David Friedman is a critic of Palestinian leadership and supports Israeli settlements in the West Bank.

In a statement to The Associated Press, State Department spokesman Robert Palladino said the decision "was driven by our global efforts to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of our diplomatic engagements and operations. It does not signal a change of U.S. policy on Jerusalem, the West Bank, or the Gaza Strip."

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