United States Signs Agreement to Build Permanent Embassy in Jerusalem

On Wednesday, the United States finalized an agreement to establish its permanent embassy in Jerusalem, a step that Israel said demonstrates the "close alliance" between the two nations.

During his first presidential term, in December 2017, President Donald Trump recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and ordered the relocation of the U.S. embassy from Tel Aviv to the contested city, according to France Press.

At the signing ceremony held at the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee stated, "The United States not only recognizes Jerusalem as the eternal, original, and permanent capital of the Jewish people, but also says it will take practical action in this regard."

He added, "We will plant our flag, the American flag, on Jerusalem’s land by establishing a new and permanent embassy complex, which will serve as the main headquarters for our diplomatic activities here in Israel."

The permanent U.S. embassy will be constructed in the Arnona complex, located south of Jerusalem.

Israel has allocated a parcel of land in Jerusalem to serve as the site for the U.S. embassy.

Palestinians claim East Jerusalem as the capital of their future state.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar said that the agreement to build the permanent U.S. embassy in Jerusalem confirms the "close alliance" between the United States and Israel.

Speaking at the signing event, Sa'ar remarked, "The historic decision made by President Trump in 2017 to move the embassy to Jerusalem restored matters to their proper place."

He added, "Today, with the agreement to begin constructing a permanent embassy complex, that decision becomes more established and sustainable."