Knesset Speaker travels to US, will discuss moving embassy

The Knesset Speaker will discuss Trump’s plan to move the US embassy to Jerusalem, containing Iranian threats and enhancing bilateral cooperation in meetings with congressional leaders during a US visit. 

Speaker of the Knesset (Israel’s parliamentary body) Yuli Edelstein, flew to the US on Tuesday night for a visit in which he will help push to move forward with President Donald Trump’s previously stated plan to move the US embassy in Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

“I will call on my counterparts to support and work toward moving the US Embassy to Israel’s capital, Jerusalem,” Edelstein said before he left.

In an interview that aired last weekend, Trump told Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN) that there is “certainly a chance” he will officially elect to move the US embassy, but committed to studying the issue “very long and hard” before making a final decision.

Edelstein also said that he will discuss regional security issues and in particular, a resurgent Iran.

“I will also speak about the Iran threat, which remains unchanged, and about the situation in the Middle East,” he added.

For his part, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday night that he will call for the renewal of sanctions against Iran during his upcoming meeting with Trump, in light of Iran’s reported ballistic missile test over the weekend.

Edelstein will also work on enhancing bilateral cooperation between the legislative bodies of both countries, during his visit.

“I plan to discuss with my counterparts strengthening and tightening the ties between the two countries, stressing the cooperation between the Knesset and the two US Houses of Parliament,” he said.

By: Jonathan Benedek, World Israel News