Jerusalem mayor thanks Trump for starting embassy move process

Jerusalem’s mayor praised the Trump administration for reportedly starting discussions on moving the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. 

Jerusalem’s Mayor Nir Barkat praised US President Donald Trump on Monday for taking elementary steps in moving the US embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

“Trump has proven that he is a true friend of the State of Israel, and keeps his promises,” Barkat stated. “I congratulate President Trump and the historic message being sent by the White House by beginning hearings to move the US Embassy to Jerusalem.”

“The announcement sends a clear message to the world that the United States recognizes Jerusalem as the undivided capital of Israel,” he added.

The Trump Administration announced over the weekend that the White House has started deliberations over moving the US embassy to Jersusalem.

“We are at the very beginning stages of even discussing this subject,” Trump’s Press Secretary Sean Spicer was quoted as saying to AFP.

Jerusalem City Councilman and Deputy Mayor Meir Turjemon corroborated Spicer’s remarks to Israel’s Channel 10, claiming that US has already sent over an architect to survey several possible locations for a future US embassy in Jerusalem.

For his part, Mayor Barkat said that he is prepared to assist the US in whatever way to implement the move of the US embassy to Jerusalem.

“We’ll help the US government use its authority [and provide] all the necessary assistance to make the relocation of the embassy to Jerusalem as quickly and smoothly as possible,” he added.

By: Jonathan Benedek, World Israel News