The US instructed its embassy in Jerusalem to pressure the Palestinian leadership to withdraw Palestinian Ambassador Riyad Mansour’s candidacy for a UN General Assembly vice-presidency scheduled for election on June 2, 2026 [1, 2, 3]. A State Department cable dated May 19 warned Palestinians that failure to withdraw the bid could result in consequences, including possible revocation of visas for Palestinian UN delegation members [1, 2, 3]. The cable stated, "A bully pulpit for Mansour would not improve the lives of Palestinians and would significantly damage US relations with the PA. Congress will take it extremely seriously" [1]. It also warned, "To be clear, we will hold the PA responsible if the Palestinian delegation does not withdraw its VPGA candidacy" [2].
The US administration views Mansour’s vice-presidency bid as undermining former President Trump’s Gaza peace plan and increasing tensions in the region [1, 2, 3]. Mansour had previously withdrawn his candidacy for the UN General Assembly presidency in February following US lobbying, but the vice-presidency bid remained [1, 2]. The Palestinian delegation is running on the Asia-Pacific group slate for one of the General Assembly's vice-presidency positions, which number between 16 and 21 according to different sources [1, 3].
US officials said the vice-presidency could still allow Mansour to preside over high-profile UNGA sessions during the 81st session’s high-level week in September 2026, a platform the US wants to avoid [1, 2, 3]. The Trump administration has revoked visas for Palestinian officials attending the General Assembly in past years in response to Palestinian moves for statehood [3]. The US State Department declined to comment directly on visa issues due to confidentiality but said, "We take seriously our obligations under the U.N. Headquarters Agreement" [2, 3].
Timeline events include Mansour’s presidential candidacy withdrawal in February 2026 after US lobbying [1, 2] and the May 19 State Department cable directing pressure on the Palestinian delegation [1, 2, 3]. The UN General Assembly vice-presidency election is set for June 2, 2026 [1], with the 81st session’s high-level week following in September when Mansour could preside if elected [1, 2, 3].
