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Israel

US to open embassy in Jerusalem in May for Israel’s 70th anniversary

Source: France 24
February 24, 2018 at 04:24
© Thomas Coex, AFP file picture | The former Diplomat Hotel in Jerusalem which is considered one of the options to host the US embassy headquarters in Jerusalem
© Thomas Coex, AFP file picture | The former Diplomat Hotel in Jerusalem which is considered one of the options to host the US embassy headquarters in Jerusalem
The United States said Friday it will relocate its embassy in Israel to Jerusalem in May, bringing forward the contested move to coincide with the Jewish state's 70th birthday -- and enraging Palestinians, who called it a "blatant provocation."

Palestinians object to recognition of the disputed city as Israel's capital and say the embassy move could destroy a two-state solution to the decades-old Middle East conflict.

Palestinians also object to the date chosen for the embassy move -- they call May 14, on which Israel declared independence in 1948, Naqba, their "day of catastrophe."

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed the announcement and thanked US President Donald Trump for his "leadership" and his "friendship."

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