Israel to financially 'incentivize' countries to move embassies to Jerusalem

The Israeli government has approved a proposal for "financial incentives" for countries to relocate their embassies to Jerusalem.

This was reported by The Times of Israel, according to Ukrinform.

It is noted that Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar and Minister for Jerusalem Affairs and Heritage Yariv Levin put forward an initiative aimed "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 funds of both ministries are expected to be invested in an "incentive package" that will provide "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."

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The proposal reflects the Foreign Ministry's "diplomatic efforts" to relocate and open embassies in Jerusalem, the statement from the foreign affairs ministry said.

Currently, the United States, Guatemala, Honduras, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Fiji, and Kosovo have embassies in Jerusalem.

In December, Ecuador opened an innovation office with diplomatic status in Jerusalem.

As reported by Ukrinform, in May 2018 the United States of America officially opened its embassy in Jerusalem.

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