Israel and US Block Palestinian Bid for UN General Assembly Presidency After Yearlong Diplomatic Effort

Israel and the United States conducted a diplomatic campaign lasting over a year to prevent Palestinian Ambassador Riyad Mansour from being elected president of the UN General Assembly. Mansour began preparing for the March 2025 election, which is the UN's second most important position. Recognizing the political implications, Israel started lobbying countries in April 2025 to ensure Mansour would not run unopposed. Cyprus and Bangladesh subsequently nominated their own candidates, Andreas Kakouris and Foreign Minister Mohammad Tohaid Hossain, respectively.

Despite these efforts, officials in Israel, the US, and the UN believed Mansour could still secure majority support if he remained a candidate. Washington pressured the Palestinian Authority to withdraw Mansour, warning of consequences including funding cuts, sanctions on officials, and other measures. Mansour initially rejected offers, including a proposed foreign minister role, and officially declared his candidacy.

Following intensified diplomatic pressure from Israel and the US, Mansour withdrew from the race in February 2026. He later attempted to run for vice president of the General Assembly but was also blocked. According to NPR, the US threatened to revoke visas of Palestinian officials if the candidacy was not withdrawn. The Bangladeshi candidate was elected earlier this month, preventing Palestinians from advancing their political status within the UN.

Jerusalem hailed the outcome as a significant diplomatic victory achieved through a prolonged and discreet campaign.