US State Department: US to open Jerusalem embassy in May
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The US plans to open its new embassy in Jerusalem in May, which will coincide with Israel’s 70th anniversary, announced the Department of State on Friday.
The announcement came months after US President Donald Trump recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and said he would move the US Embassy there, dismaying Palestinians who claim the eastern part of the city and angering Arab states across the region.
"We are excited about taking this historic step, and look forward with anticipation to the May opening," said US State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert in a statement.
The embassy in Jerusalem will be gradually expanded in existing consular facilities in the Arnona neighborhood, according to Nauert.
The official has also mentioned that the search for a site for the US' permanent Embassy to Israel has already begun, adding that its planning and construction will be a longer undertaking.
A May opening is earlier than expected-US Vice President Mike Pence told the Israeli parliament last month that the move would take place by the end of 2019.
US Vice President Mike Pence (L) shakes hands with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during their meeting at the Prime Minister's Office in Jerusalem, Jan. 22, 2018. /VCG Photo
US Vice President Mike Pence (L) shakes hands with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during their meeting at the Prime Minister's Office in Jerusalem, Jan. 22, 2018. /VCG Photo
On the same day, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed the US announcement as "a great day for the people of Israel."
Israeli Minister of Transportation and Intelligence Israel Katz has also responded to the decision on his Twitter, calling it “the most just and correct move.”
Meanwhile, the Turkish foreign ministry said Saturday in a statement that the US move showed Washington's "insistence on... damaging the conditions for peace" and was "extremely worrying."