US says 'too soon' to weigh in on new Palestinian Cabinet

WASHINGTON

The Biden administration struck a note of caution Thursday after the Palestinian Authority (PA) announced the formation of a new Cabinet, saying it is too early to offer an assessment.

National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby told reporters during a virtual briefing that it is "too soon to make any broad judgments about this particular new government." He emphasized that the Biden administration has "long called" for reforms within the PA.

"We'll be looking for this new government to deliver on policies, and to implement those credible and far-reaching reforms," he said. "We've long talked about a revitalized Palestinian Authority, and how important that's going to be to eventually delivering results for the Palestinian people, and to help establish the conditions for stability both in the West Bank and in Gaza.”

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas approved the new government earlier Thursday, led by Mohammad Mustafa, making it the 19th in Palestine's history.

The new government has 23 ministers under the leadership of Mustafa, who retained his position as foreign minister. The government will take the constitutional oath before Abbas next Sunday, according to Palestinian news agency WAFA.

Kirby's tepidness was echoed by the State Department, which added that the Biden administration "will engage with this government, based on its actions, be closely tracking the steps it takes to advance the key reforms and look forward to engaging with them on that matter."