Biden's new envoy to Palestinians reiterates pledge in 1st briefing, but senior Palestinian official laughs it off and Netanyahu aide says his stance against it hasn't changed

Abbas agrees to work with Hady Amr after objecting to promotion in May due to frustration over it coming in lieu of reopening Jerusalem consulate; US insists that's still the plan

Security establishment drafts document ahead of Biden visit, stating that Abbas has no accomplishments to point to and recommending more substantial initiatives be approved

PA president warns US he's on verge of downgrading ties with Israel over actions in East Jerusalem and West Bank, reiterates demands for Biden to delist PLO, reopen consulate

Bureaucratic, yet symbolic step will see US diplomats tasked with Palestinian file report directly to DC, rather than US envoy to Israel, though unit remains under embassy auspices

Palestinian leader asks Blinken to hold off on appointing special envoy; US advance team will discuss issue further with Abbas in meeting this weekend

State Department spokesman says Biden to take series of steps aimed at boosting ties to Palestinians, but admits Jerusalem mission has 'unique sensitivities'

State Department's point-man on the conflict to be elevated to position of special envoy to Palestinians; US embassy's Palestinian unit to report directly to him, not ambassador

Officials in Ramallah appreciate US president's restoration of two-state solution narrative, but not his refusal to reopen diplomatic missions or embrace Abbas

First in-person gathering of each Abraham Accords country's top diplomat will be held on Sunday and Monday, as US secretary of state visits Jewish state, Foreign Ministry says