Palestinian flags. Photo: Plodelegation.us.

A number of US-based, pro-Israel groups have praised the Trump administration’s decision the close the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) office in Washington, DC.

The American Israel Public Affairs Commmitte (AIPAC) said in a statement, “This action complies with legislation adopted by bipartisan congressional majorities. The PLO itself triggered the law’s required closing of the office by pursuing efforts at the International Criminal Court to isolate and delegitimize Israel.”

“For years, the PLO has placed obstacles in the path of peace and has now refused to enter negotiations with the Israelis or meet with American officials,” the AIPAC statement continued. “We urge the Palestinian leadership to return to the negotiating table with the Israelis and cease its efforts to delegitimize Israel in international forums.”

Pastor John Hagee — the founder and chairman of Christians United for Israel (CUFI) — said, “Despite the US and Israel bending over backwards, through aid and concessions, to try to bring Palestinian leaders to the negotiating table in good faith, the PA persists in inciting violence against the Jewish state and thumbing its nose at the US. The PLO remains, first and foremost, an advocate for terror against Israel. In the face of such persistent Palestinian obstinacy, this move is long overdue.”

“We are grateful to Pres. Trump for taking this bold and righteous stance,” Hagee added. “And we would also like to thank Congressional leaders including Sen. Ted Cruz and Reps. Mark Meadows and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, for their consistent strength on this issue.”