This article is from the source 'rtcom' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.rt.com/usa/419681-us-embassy-may-israel/

The article has changed 6 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 2 Version 3
US to open new embassy in Jerusalem in May - State Department US to open new embassy in Jerusalem in May - State Department
(35 minutes later)
Clashes have broken out in the occupied Palestinian West Bank and Gaza after news the US embassy in Israel will move to Jerusalem in May. A statement said the controversial move will coincide with Israeli Independence Day. Washington is planning to open a new Embassy in Jerusalem in May, the US State Department has announced. The move, which sparked an outcry when it was announced last December, coincides with Israel’s Independence Day, it adds.
“By the end of next year, we intend to open a new Embassy Jerusalem annex on the Arnona compound that will provide the ambassador and his team with expanded interim office space,” the statement reads. "In May, the United States plans to open a new U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem. The opening will coincide with Israel’s 70th anniversary," the document reads. The new Embassy Embassy "will initially be located in the Arnona neighborhood, in a modern building that now houses consular operations of U.S. Consulate General Jerusalem." 
“We are excited about taking this historic step, and look forward with anticipation to the May opening,” State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert noted.“We are excited about taking this historic step, and look forward with anticipation to the May opening,” State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert noted.
The document says that a new extension will be added to that building in 2019, to provide office space for the ambassador while a permanent home for the embassy is found.The document says that a new extension will be added to that building in 2019, to provide office space for the ambassador while a permanent home for the embassy is found.
“In parallel, we have started the search for a site for our permanent embassy to Israel, the planning and construction of which will be a longer-term undertaking.” “In parallel, we have started the search for a site for our permanent embassy to Israel, the planning and construction of which will be a longer-term undertaking.” 
Earlier on Friday President Donald Trump defended his decision last December to recognize Israel’s claim to Jerusalem as its capital, which prompted huge protests across the occupied Palestinian territories, that have left at least 19 Palestinians and Israelis dead.Earlier on Friday President Donald Trump defended his decision last December to recognize Israel’s claim to Jerusalem as its capital, which prompted huge protests across the occupied Palestinian territories, that have left at least 19 Palestinians and Israelis dead.
Trump said many previous presidents had made the move an election promise but failed to fulfill it. “But I get it,” he said. “I was hit by more countries, more pressure, begging me ’don’t do it, don’t do it!’. So I get it.”Trump said many previous presidents had made the move an election promise but failed to fulfill it. “But I get it,” he said. “I was hit by more countries, more pressure, begging me ’don’t do it, don’t do it!’. So I get it.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed the news as: "a great day for the people of Israel." But Palestine Liberation Organisation Secretary-General Saeb Erekat countered that view. He claimed it showed Washington’s “determination to violate international law, destroy the two-state solution and provoke the feelings of the Palestinian people as well as of all Arabs, Muslims and Christians around the globe."Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed the news as: "a great day for the people of Israel." But Palestine Liberation Organisation Secretary-General Saeb Erekat countered that view. He claimed it showed Washington’s “determination to violate international law, destroy the two-state solution and provoke the feelings of the Palestinian people as well as of all Arabs, Muslims and Christians around the globe."
"Trump and his team have disqualified the US from being part of the solution between Israelis and Palestinians; rather, the world now sees that they are part of the problem," Erekat said."Trump and his team have disqualified the US from being part of the solution between Israelis and Palestinians; rather, the world now sees that they are part of the problem," Erekat said.
Like this story? Share it with a friend!