Israel promotes global recognition of Jerusalem
The Israel government has approved a proposal offering financial incentives to countries willing to relocate their embassies to Jerusalem, according to reports by The Times of Israel.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar and Minister for Jerusalem Affairs and Heritage Yariv Levin introduced the initiative. The plan is designed to encourage countries to officially recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and move their embassies there, CE Report quotes Ukrinform.
Under the proposal, funds from both ministries will be used to create an “incentive package” that would help cover expenses related to establishing or relocating embassies in Jerusalem. The package may also include housing and planning assistance when needed.
According to Israel’s Foreign Ministry, the proposal is part of ongoing diplomatic efforts to increase the number of foreign embassies located in Jerusalem.
Currently, the following countries maintain embassies in Jerusalem:
- United States
- Guatemala
- Honduras
- Papua New Guinea
- Paraguay
- Fiji
- Kosovo
In December, Ecuador opened an innovation office with diplomatic status in Jerusalem.
The United States officially opened its embassy in Jerusalem in May 2018.
PHOTO: WIKIPEDIA
