Israel objects to Palestinian Authority moves to elevate diplomatic status

The Israeli government has said that it objects to the moves made by the Palestinian Authority to raise the status of its diplomatic representation in a number of countries. The basis for the objection is that no Palestinian state has yet been established.

According to senior Israeli officials speaking on Radio Israel, “The Palestinians are taking unilateral steps to upgrade their diplomatic missions to ambassadorial level; this is unacceptable.” The Israeli objections came after Portugal announced its intention to elevate the Palestinian “Delegate” to the rank of Ambassador with the rights and privileges such status entails.