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Controversy Rips through Israel on Relocating U.S. Embassy | ASHARQ AL-AWSAT English Archive 2005 -2017
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Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during a news conference at his office in Jerusalem December 7, 2015. REUTERS/Ronen Zvulun


Tel Aviv – The Israeli branch of the United States Republican party Marc Zell, on Saturday, revealed that the delay in issuing an official U.S. decision on moving the embassy to Jerusalem, is based on the mulling of Israeli diplomats and not due to U.S. President Donald Trump rolling back from the relocation.

Speaking to Haaretz and citing both Israeli and U.S. sources, Zell that “Trump has been unequivocally in favor of moving the embassy and remains so” but “he is proceeding cautiously because of concerns raised by Israeli officials.”

Zell’s remarks were equivalent to setting off a bomb amid the Israel political spectrum– many alt right leaders came out accusing Prime Minister Netanyahu of shortcoming, fear of Arabs, and using his influence against the transfer. After controversy spiraled out of control, Netanyahu went out of his way, confirming his will to move the embassy to Jerusalem.

Zell reiterated that the relocation will eventually take place. “Trump has repeatedly stated that his Administration will respect the wishes of the Israeli government and people on issues concerning the Land of Israel in general and Jerusalem in particular,” Zell said.

“There is no better evidence of this than Washington’s historic non-reaction last week to Israel’s announcement that it will be constructing 2,500 housing units in Judea and Samaria … I believe Israel will give the green light to the embassy move and when it does, the embassy will come to Jerusalem,” he added.

Zell was asked on statements made by White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer that no decision has been made yet on the subject.

He then reiterated praise for U.S. President Trump, saying that he was an honest businessman and that the secret to his success is that very same thing—saying that all his promises will be fulfilled.