US President Donald Trump has nominated Marine Corps Maj Gen Sean Salene for promotion to lieutenant general in tandem with his appointment as US Security Co-ordinator for Israel and the Palestinian Authority in Jerusalem.
Maj Gen Salene, who is performing the duties of US Central Command (Centcom) deputy commander, will replace Lt Gen Michael Fenzel, who has held the post since November 2021. Gen Fenzel will step down later this month.
Gen Salene's promotion and new assignment require Senate confirmation.
The office in Jerusalem was set up in 2005 to “synchronise international support efforts and commitment to an enduring partnership between Israel and the Palestinian Authority”, according to the US Department of State.
The State Department says one of the office's missions is to “enhance security co-operation, lead coalition efforts in advising the Palestinian Authority on security sector reform”. It also aims to “facilitate and optimise co-ordination and communication” between the two sides and promote “opportunities for nations and organisations to contribute to development of a sustainable Palestinian security sector”.
Earlier this year, the Trump administration announced the closure of the office, however the decision has since been reversed.
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