US Embassy Moving to Jerusalem on Israel’s Independence Day
(MEE) — The United States plans to move its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem on 14 May, the 70th anniversary of Israel’s independence, a US official confirmed on Friday.
In December, US President Donald Trump recognized Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, and signaled Washington’s intention to relocate its embassy. The move infuriated many of Washington’s Arab allies and dismayed Palestinians who see as East Jerusalem as the capital of their future state.
The US schedule for the move appears to have sped up: during his visit to Israel last month, Vice President Mike Pence said that the embassy would move by the end of 2019.
There are several possible sites for the new embassy. The most likely plan would be to locate the embassy at a US facility in Jerusalem’s south-western Talpiyot neighbourhood, currently used for consular affairs including passport and visa processing.
Officials said the US could initially retrofit a small suite of offices at the existing facility to accommodate current ambassador David Friedman and one or two top aides including his chief of staff.
That would allow the administration to hang an “embassy” sign over the door and formally open it in time for Israeli Independence Day on 14 May.
Israeli Congratulations
Soon after US officials announced the May date, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that he is in contact with the US Administration and will respond if and when an official American announcement is made on the planned embassy move to Jerusalem.
Israeli intelligence minister Israel Katz congratulated Trump in a tweet.
“There is no greater gift than that! The most just and correct move. Thanks friend!” Katz wrote.
I would like to congratulate Donald Trump, the President of the US @POTUS on his decision to transfer the US Embassy to our capital on Israel's 70th Independence Day. There is no greater gift than that! The most just and correct move. Thanks friend!
— ישראל כץ Israel Katz (@Israel_katz) February 23, 2018
Trump’s Jerusalem announcement was rejected by 128 nations in a vote in the UN General Assembly in late December.
The overwhelming vote came during a rare emergency meeting to ask nations not to establish diplomatic missions in the historic city of Jerusalem. Israel has illegally occupied East Jerusalem since 1967.
Trump’s announcement on 6 December led to ongoing waves of protests by Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza.
By MEE and agencies / Republished with permission / Middle East Eye / Report a typo
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