Trump celebrates historic opening of US Embassy in Jerusalem
President Trump on Monday officially recognized "the plain truth that Israel's capital is Jerusalem," as his administration celebrated the opening of a new U.S. Embassy in the Holy City on the 70th anniversary of Israel's founding.
"For many years, we failed to acknowledge the obvious: the plain truth that Israel's capital is Jerusalem. Today, we follow through on this recognition and open our embassy in the historic city of Jerusalem," Trump said in a video address to the hundreds of attendees who gathered outside the embassy for a ceremony celebrating its opening.
The president announced the embassy move in December, breaking from his predecessors who signed national security waivers every six months to postpone the embassy's relocation, which has been delayed every year since 1999.
Trump also touted his decision to open the embassy in a facility that previously served as a U.S. Consulate while a permanent embassy is constructed over the next few years. He claimed last month that his administration saved nearly $1 billion by doing so.
"The U.S. will always be a great friend of Israel and a partner in the cause of freedom and peace. We extend a hand in friendship to Israel, the Palestinians, and to all of their neighbors. May there be peace," he said, adding that "the U.S. remains fully committed to facilitating a lasting peace agreement."
While the president and vice president remained in Washington for the embassy's opening, several senior administration officials - including presidential son-in-law and White House adviser Jared Kushner, Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin, and Trump's daughter Ivanka - were present for the opening ceremony. (Washington Examiner)
No comments:
Post a Comment