Government approves proposal to financially assist relocation of embassies to Jerusalem

The government unanimously approves a proposal to financially incentivize countries to move their embassies to Jerusalem, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar’s office announces in a statement.

The framework, proposed by Sa’ar and Jerusalem Affairs and Heritage Minister Yariv Levin, is “to encourage countries around the world to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and to actualize that recognition by moving foreign embassies to Jerusalem,” the statement reads.

Under the proposal, budgets from both ministries will be invested in an incentives package, providing “encouragement and assistance…through participation in financing expenses related to establishing or relocating embassies to Jerusalem, as well as housing solutions and planning solutions as needed,” according to Sa’ar’s office.

The proposal reflects “diplomatic efforts” by Sa’ar to move and open embassies in Jerusalem, the statement adds.

Currently, seven countries have embassies in Jerusalem — the US, Guatemala, Honduras, Kosovo, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, and Fiji. In December, Ecuador opened an innovation office with diplomatic status in Jerusalem.

Israel considers Jerusalem to be its capital, including East Jerusalem, which it annexed in 1980. Most of the international community says the final borders of the city should be decided in negotiations with the Palestinians, and therefore, many countries maintain their embassies in the Tel Aviv metropolitan area, while maintaining consulates in Jerusalem.