Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Sunday that he intends to hold a state ceremony in honor of the relocation of the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.
The State Department announced over the weekend that it plans to relocate the embassy in May, months earlier than planned. The move aims to correspond with Israel's 70th Independence Day celebrations.
At a meeting of Likud ministers on Monday, Netanyahu said government ministers, lawmakers and high-ranking diplomatic officials will be invited to the ceremony.
Later, speaking at the weekly cabinet meeting, Netanyahu said, "Over the weekend we learned that President Trump has decided to move the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem, the capital of Israel, on this coming Independence Day. This is a great moment for the citizens of Israel, and this is a historic moment for the State of Israel. We will celebrate it together, all citizens of Israel.
"This will have significant and historic long-range implications. On behalf of the entire government and people, I would like to thank President Trump for both his leadership and his friendship. President Trump, you are a great friend of the State of Israel and we all thank you."
The embassy is expected to open its doors on May 14, the anniversary of the 1948 Israeli declaration of independence. The event will also coincide with Jerusalem Day, which this year will be marked on May 13.
Netanyahu is scheduled to depart on Saturday night for a five-day trip to Washington and New York. During the visit, he will meet with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House.
Meanwhile, U.S Ambassador to Israel David Friedman said on Sunday that the two-state solution would only be tenable if the future Palestinian state does not pose a threat to the region. Friedman said this was the reason "why it is important for Israel to have extensive control over security" matters in the Palestinian territories. According to Friedman, such a framework could also benefit Jordan and Egypt.
