Israel to Offer Incentives for Countries to Move Embassies to Jerusalem

Foreign Affairs Minister Yisrael Katz defined the transfer of embassies to Jerusalem as “a first national, political and strategic goal.”

By United With Israel Staff

Minister of Foreign Affairs Yisrael Katz will soon present to the Israeli government a monetary incentive plan to encourage countries to move their embassies to Jerusalem, reported Israel Hayom on Sunday.

Katz defined the transfer of embassies to Jerusalem as “a first national, political and strategic goal.”

The proposed resolution includes a NIS 50 million budget. The money is earmarked for financing expenses related to the establishment or transfer of the embassy or ambassador’s residence, locating and allocating suitable land in Jerusalem, and additional assistance once in the city, according to Israel Hayom.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Deputy Foreign Minister Tzipi Hotovely have raised the issue with foreign leaders and diplomats, Israel Hayom reported.

Several countries have agreed, in principle, to the suggestion but have asked Israel to reciprocate. These include, for example, Honduras and El Salvador, which have requested that Israel open full diplomatic missions in their capitals as well.

Other countries have requested economic and development assistance as well as financial support and improved relations with the United States in order to make the move.

“There is nothing more expressing our return to Zion and the success of Zionism in strengthening the sovereignty of Israel and the Jewish people in Jerusalem,” Katz told Israel Hayom. “Strengthening Jerusalem’s status in the world is the most important goal I have set for myself as foreign minister, and Jerusalem will always be the beating heart of the Jewish people.”