Reuters and Guardian reported on 20/5 that a cable from the US State Department instructed diplomats at the US embassy in Jerusalem to convey a message: Palestine Ambassador to the United Nations (UN) Riyad Mansour's candidacy for Vice-President of the General Assembly would "increase tensions".

The State Department warned in the cable that this move risks undermining President Donald Trump's Gaza peace plan and would face consequences from Washington if it continued.

"To be clear, we will hold the Palestinian Authority accountable if the Palestine delegation does not withdraw its candidacy for the position of Vice-President of the UN General Assembly", the cable stated.

Palestine Ambassador to the United Nations (UN) Riyad Mansour at a meeting at headquarters in New York, US, 18/2. Photo: AFP

Palestine Ambassador to the United Nations (UN) Riyad Mansour at a meeting at headquarters in New York, US, 18/2. Photo: AFP

The cable referenced a decision by the US State Department in 9/2025 to exempt Palestinian officials assigned to the Palestine mission at the UN from a visa ban.

"It would be regrettable if we had to reconsider any viable options", the US warned, alluding to the potential revocation of visas for the Palestine delegation at the UN.

The Palestine delegation at the UN has not yet responded to the information. The US State Department also declined to comment.

Ambassador Mansour withdrew from the race for UN General Assembly President in February. However, he stated at the time that if elected Vice-President, he could still preside over General Assembly sessions.

The election for President and 16 vice-presidents of the UN General Assembly is scheduled for 2/6. The Trump administration has long opposed efforts to establish a Palestinian state and believes that the election of the Palestine ambassador as Vice-President of the General Assembly could impact sessions related to the Middle East situation.