Israel says at least six states considering moving embassies to Jerusalem

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday that “at least half a dozen” countries were considering moving their embassies to Jerusalem following the US decision to do so.

US President Donald Trump announced in December that the United States recognized Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, infuriating even Washington’s Arab allies and dismaying Palestinians who want the eastern part of the city as their capital.

The US Embassy is due to relocate to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv on May 14, the date on which Israel declared its independence in 1948.

US President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump welcomes Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara to the White House, Washington, DC, March 5, 2018. /VCG Photo

"In order to promote peace ... move your embassies here,” Netanyahu told foreign diplomats at a reception in Jerusalem celebrating the 70th anniversary of that declaration.

He thanked Guatemala which decided to move its embassy soon after the US announcement, but he did not name the other countries he said were considering following suit.

"I am pleased to say that there are at least half a dozen countries that are currently talking seriously to us about moving their embassies to Jerusalem,” Netanyahu said.

The first 10 embassies to relocate to Jerusalem would receive “preferential treatment,” he said without explaining what that might entail.

A general view shows people visiting the Dome of the Rock in the al-Aqsa mosque compound in Jerusalem's Old City, March 27, 2018. /VCG Photo

A US official said the embassy would be located at a provisional site in Jerusalem that now houses a US consular section. Building a permanent embassy could take several years.

Most countries do not recognize either Israel’s or the Palestinians’ sovereignty in Jerusalem and have embassies to Israel in the Tel Aviv area.

Romania's ruling Social Democrat Party (PSD) leader said Thursday that Romanian government will follow the US and transfer its embassy in Israel to Jerusalem.

"The decision has been taken (...), the procedures are beginning," Liviu Dragnea told Antena 3 television ahead of any official government announcement.

According to Dragnea, PSD Prime Minister Viorica Dancila's government agreed Wednesday on "the start of procedures with a view to the transfer of the embassy to Jerusalem."

Dragnea noted the "enormous symbolic value" of a move saying Israel "has a strong international influence" and it would be "very valuable for the American administration."

Source(s): AFP ,Reuters