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Friday, September 12, 2025
French-Saudi confab undermines US national security, says internal State Dept. memo
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleLazar Berman is The Times of Israel's diplomatic reporter
The US State Department calls the upcoming conference on a Palestinian state hosted by France and Saudi Arabia “a slap in the face to the victims of October 7th and a reward for terrorism,” in an internal cable sent to diplomats on Thursday and seen by The Times of Israel.
The missive, titled “US Policy Guidance Opposing Initiatives Supporting Unilateral Recognition of a Palestinian State,” says the conference is a publicity stunt that will prolong the war in Gaza, embolden Hamas, reward its obstruction and undermine real-world efforts to achieve peace.”
The “High-Level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution” is slated for September 22 on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.
The conference “undermines US national security interests,” says the State Department. The initiative “directly interferes with efforts to achieve a ceasefire and alleviate the humanitarian situation in Gaza,” according to the cable.
The Palestine Liberation Organization has not consistently condemned terrorism, charges the Donald Trump administration.
“US foreign policy and national security interests support our administration’s unwavering commitment to Israel’s security and the elimination of Hamas,” says the cable. “This includes securing the immediate unconditional release of hostages taken on October 7, 2023, including the remains of two Americans, and achieving a ceasefire acceptable to Israel.”
A second cable delineates firm limits on contact US government employees may have with Palestinian Authority and PLO officials, saying it should “be strictly limited to interactions that directly advance an identifiable US objective.”
Government personnel “may not attend diplomatic receptions, cultural activities, athletic events, and other local and international activities hosted by PA or PLO officials” without gaining express approval from the State Department.
Senior US government officials, and defense and intelligence officials, are allowed to maintain contacts with PA counterparts.
The Times of Israel Community.