Trump: US Embassy to move by May

DONALD Trump’s latest decision on moving the US embassy to Jerusalem is delighting Israeli leaders – who see it as the ultimate birthday present – and infuriating Palestinians.

Trump has taken both sides by surprise, announcing that he will move America’s embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem in May, months ahead of the anticipated schedule.

“In May, the United States plans to open a new US embassy in Jerusalem,” said State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert. “The opening will coincide with Israel’s 70th anniversary.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded, “This is a great moment for the State of Israel. President Trump’s decision to move the American embassy to Jerusalem will make our Independence Day celebration even ­happier.”

While Israel celebrates Independence Day according to the Hebrew calendar, meaning it will fall in April, the anniversary in the civil calendar is in May.

There is widespread support for the embassy move among Jewish Israelis, but some people fear that taking the step at this time could mar the upcoming Israel 70 celebrations with violence.

This is a “very likely” scenario, Israeli peace activist Gershon Baskin told The AJN.

“This is the classic honey trap – a gift from Trump to Israel that does not help Israel in any way.”

After the State Department announcement, Trump spoke about the pressure he has encountered trying to persuade him to back down and keep the US embassy in Tel Aviv.

He said, “The campaign against [the move] was so incredible. But you know what? The campaign for it was also incredible, and we did the right thing.”

Trump will be transforming the existing consulate into an embassy, rather than preparing a new building.

But plans are underway for a new permanent building, and the State Department is looking into whether it can accept an offer from the Jewish billionaire Sheldon Adelson, a supporter of both Trump and Netanyahu, to pay for at least part of the building.

The Palestinian leadership is intensifying its campaign against the US, following the new decision.

Senior official Saeb Erekat claimed that it “shows the determination of the US administration to violate international law, destroy the two-state solution, and provoke the feelings of the Palestinian people, as well as of all Arabs, Muslims and Christians around the globe”.

NATHAN JEFFAY