A bipartisan group of senators led by Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.) is introducing a bill that aims to strengthen the position of the U.S. security coordinator for Israel and the Palestinian Authority and protect it from being downgraded by future administrations, according to the text of the bill shared by Axios.

A bipartisan group of U.S. Senate lawmakers is prompting a call to action to bolster the U.S. Security Coordinator for Israel and the Palestinian Authority. The move comes in the wake of a previous contemplation by the Defense Department to downgrade the position. The coordinator, a U.S. military officer, heads a multinational group that facilitates coordination between Israel and the Palestinian Authority’s security forces.

In response to the potential downgrade, the lawmakers have proposed a new bill, the Middle East Security Coordination Act. The legislation aims to underscore the significance of the coordination for regional stability. It proposes an annual funding of $75 million for the mission over the next five years. Additionally, the proposed law seeks to codify the coordinator’s role, thereby giving it a legal basis and official recognition.

Despite the bipartisan backing for the bill, there’s a growing skepticism due to the Palestinian Authority security forces’ struggles to contain escalating violence within the West Bank. These security challenges have raised concerns about the effectiveness of the coordination and the ability of the Palestinian Authority to maintain law and order.

The U.S. Security Coordinator’s role involves leading a multinational group that coordinates between Israel and the Palestinian Authority’s security forces. The coordinator serves as a crucial liaison, fostering cooperation and promoting peace and stability in the region. The position is critical to protecting American interests and deescalating conflicts in Israel and the Palestinian territories.

The Middle East Security Coordination Act could play a crucial role in shaping the future of the U.S. Security Coordinator for Israel and the Palestinian Authority. If passed, the legislation will ensure the coordinator’s role is legally recognized and adequately funded. However, the success of the role will also depend on the ability of the Palestinian Authority to effectively manage security issues within its territories.