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Learn about the United States agreement to establish a permanent embassy in Jerusalem, a city claimed by Israelis and Palestinians.
The United States signed an agreement this Wednesday (07/01) to build its permanent embassy in Jerusalem. For Israel, the initiative represents another demonstration of the so-called “unbreakable alliance” between the two countries.
The measure resumes a decision made by Donald Trump during his first term. In December 2017, the then U.S. president recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and broke with the position adopted by much of the international community.
The following year, the United States moved the embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, amid protests from the Palestinians. Now, the new agreement provides for the construction of a permanent diplomatic complex in the city.
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What the permanent U.S. embassy in Jerusalem will be like
The U.S. government will build the new structure in the so-called Allenby complex, in the southern part of Jerusalem. Currently, U.S. diplomats operate in different facilities throughout the city.
During a ceremony at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Israel, the United States ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, stated that Washington intends to transform political recognition into a definitive physical presence.
According to Huckabee, the United States will “plant its flag” in Jerusalem to establish the new complex. The location will serve as the main center for U.S. diplomatic activities in Israel.
The ambassador also declared that the recognition of Jerusalem formalizes a historical reality. For him, the decision only confirms something established long before the existence of the United States.
Why Jerusalem remains at the center of diplomatic dispute
Jerusalem remains one of the most sensitive points of the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians. Israel conquered East Jerusalem in 1967, during the Six-Day War, and later annexed the territory.
Since then, the Israeli government declares the entire city as its indivisible capital. However, the international community does not recognize the annexation.
The Palestinians claim East Jerusalem as the future capital of a Palestinian state. For this reason, most countries maintain their embassies in Tel Aviv.
Israel sees decision as a historic milestone
Israel’s Foreign Minister, Gideon Saar, described Trump’s 2017 decision as historic. According to him, the transfer of the embassy to Jerusalem corrected the course of things.
For Saar, the new agreement reinforces the importance of the relationship between Israel and the United States. Huckabee also stated on social network X that Israel is vital to American interests in the region.
Thus, the construction of the permanent embassy symbolizes more than a physical change. The project also consolidates the diplomatic position assumed by the United States since 2017.
Which countries maintain embassies in Jerusalem
Currently, besides the United States, only a small group of countries maintain embassies in Jerusalem.
The list includes Guatemala, Honduras, Kosovo, Paraguay, Papua New Guinea, and Fiji.
The majority of nations still maintain their diplomatic representations in Tel Aviv. Many governments consider that Israelis and Palestinians should define the future of Jerusalem through direct negotiations.
Agreement occurs amid tensions in the Middle East
The formalization of the project comes after tensions between Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The central point involves the directions of the conflict with Iran.
In June of this year, the United States and Israel jointly conducted a military offensive against Iran.
Following Trump’s steps, Argentine President Javier Milei officially announced the intention to transfer Argentina’s embassy to Jerusalem.
However, Argentina has not yet completed the move. According to the announcement, the process is expected to occur in 2026.
The Argentine change, however, has not yet been completed. According to the announcement, the process is expected to occur in 2026.
