J Street applauds the Defense Department’s decision to maintain the post of United States Security Coordinator (USSC) for Israel and the Palestinian Authority at a three-star general rank, rather than downgrading it, as had been reportedly considered as part of a global cost-saving effort required by Congress.
The USSC plays a critical role in leading not just US, but international efforts to bolster security coordination between Israel and the Palestinian Authority, which all parties involved confirm has reduced terrorism and saved countless lives on both sides of the conflict. Downgrading the position would have functionally deprioritized this vital effort, and sent a dangerous signal, both to those who benefit from Israel-Palestinian security coordination, and those who seek to undermine it.
J Street was proud to lobby in support of bipartisan Congressional letters urging the Defense Department to maintain the position at its current rank, and will continue to oppose periodic efforts — including from some within the pro-Israel community — to reduce or eliminate US funding that supports Israeli-Palestinian security coordination.