Kennedy, bipartisan group call for ongoing U.S. leadership in Israel and West Bank

Press Release

Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) joined Sens. Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and 29 other senators in a bipartisan push to protect a key U.S. military and diplomatic post in the Middle East. The group of senators penned a letter to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin urging that the United States Security Coordinator for Israel and the Palestinian Authority in Jerusalem remain an officer of three-star rank and not be downgraded.

"Given continued regional volatility, steadfast high-level U.S. leadership and engagement to support peace and stability in Israel and the West Bank remain in the national security interest of the United States," Kennedy and his colleagues wrote.

The letter comes after it was reported earlier this month that the Pentagon is considering downgrading the position to colonel, which Kennedy and his colleagues warn may undermine U.S. leadership, credibility and communication in a historically volatile region.

The full letter with its specific requests is available here.

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