US Sets to Open Jerusalem Embassy ‘In May 2018’
Trump administration officials say the new US embassy in Jerusalem will open in May 2018, to coincide with the 70th anniversary of Israel’s declaration of independence.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, the Trump administration officials told the Associated Press news agency that Congress will be notified of the move on Friday.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony is reportedly being planned for mid-May.
If confirmed, the announcement means the move would come much faster than expected. US Vice-President Mike Pence in late January said the controversial embassy would open in 2019.
The US decision to move its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem prompted angry protests in Palestine and solidarity rallies across the world.
For Palestinians, May 15 marks Nakba Day, when they commemorate the mass displacement of Palestinians to make way for the state of Israel known as the “catastrophe”.
Between 1947 and 1949, at least 750,000 Palestinians from a 1.9 million population were expelled from or fled their homes in Palestine.
Israel Katz, Israeli intelligence minister, thanked Trump for the announcement.
“There is no greater gift than that! The most just and correct move. Thanks friend!” Katz said in a tweet.
Israel proclaimed its independence on May 14, 1948.
Al Jazeera correspondent Rosiland Jordan said that it is still unclear where the new embassy will reside.
“I am told that the ambassador David Friedman as well as a few aides will take up their assignment in the current consulate general building in the Arnona neighbourhood in Jerusalem.
“The additional staff will be transferred from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem over time, but there’s also still the outstanding matter of trying to find a location to build a permanent embassy.”
