US Embassy In Jerusalem To Get Construction Permit Waiver

By Mara Vigevani/TPS

The National District Planning and Building Commission decided Tuesday to recommend the waiving of building permits required to upgrade the American consulate in Jerusalem to an embassy, specifically building a three-meter high security wall and a new road that would serve as an escape route in case of emergency. The waiver comes at the request of Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon last week to streamline the process.

“As we have promised, we will not let unnecessary bureaucracy delay the transfer of the American embassy to Jerusalem, the eternal capital of Israel. This is a strategic diplomatic move for the State of Israel, and the planning bodies under my jurisdiction will do everything necessary to meet the required timetable,” Kahlon said in a statement.

Kahlon made the request following a report by Hadashot TV that the embassy move could be delayed due to red-tape surrounding State Department plans to shore up the existing US Consulate General site in south Jerusalem.

United States President Donald Trump announced on December 6 that the US recognizes Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and that it would move its embassy to the city from Tel Aviv. The embassy opening was later scheduled for May 14, Israel’s 70th anniversary on the Gregorian calendar.