Letter to Lloyd J. Austin III, U.S. Secretary of Defense - Senator Reverend Warnock joins Bipartisan Push to Sustain High-Level U.S. Engagement for Peace and Stability in Israel and the West Bank

Letter

Secretary Austin,

We write to urge that the United States Security Coordinator (USSC) for Israel and the Palestinian Authority (PA) in Jerusalem remain an officer of three-star rank and not be downgraded below that level. 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.

The USSC coordinates multilateral efforts toward peace and stability and serves as a critical liaison between Israeli and PA security forces. Downgrading this position would undermine U.S. leadership and credibility in a region where it is essential to have a high-ranking officer who can engage with other nations' highest-level military leaders.

The European Union, United Kingdom, Canada, Italy, Greece, the Netherlands, Bulgaria, Poland and others count on the USSC to provide this leadership. Downgrading this position would undermine critical security programs and degrade communications between Israelis and Palestinians, which the USSC facilitates. Such a downgrade would also risk fracturing the U.S.- led international coalition committed to strengthening security and stability in Israel and the West Bank.

We understand Congress has required the Department to reduce the aggregate number of flag and general officers, and this requirement may have driven consideration of this change. Nevertheless, we urge you not to downgrade this position at a time when U.S. leadership in the region is critical, and we stand ready to work with you to amend the law as necessary to support this vital policy objective.