Edelstein to US counterpart: Move embassy to Jerusalem

“After visiting Speaker Edelstein in Jerusalem last year, it was a privilege to host him at the US Capitol this afternoon."

By UDI SHAHAM
Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein (photo credit: KNESSET SPOKESMAN'S OFFICE)
Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein
(photo credit: KNESSET SPOKESMAN'S OFFICE)
Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein met with his American counterpart, Speaker of the House Paul Ryan, in Washington on Wednesday, and urged him to move the US Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.
Edelstein said he would be pleased if such a move received bipartisan support in Washington, and felt it could have positive reverberations around the globe.
“The meaning of wide congressional support could lead to global and regional support,” Edelstein explained. “If the American Embassy moves – I am utterly certain that other countries will move their embassies to the capital.”
After the meeting, Ryan issued a statement that made no mention of the possible relocation of the embassy.
“After visiting Speaker Edelstein in Jerusalem last year, it was a privilege to host him at the US Capitol this afternoon,” Ryan said. “I reiterated my steadfast support for Israel’s security and her inalienable right to self-defense. The historic alliance between our two nations has never been more important, and I appreciate Speaker Edelstein’s commitment to strengthening this special relationship.”
Edelstein later met with Sen.
Bob Corker, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
The two discussed current affairs in the Middle East and Edelstein asked Corker to help him promote collaborations with parliamentary chairmen regarding financial, social and environmental projects to further strengthen relations between Israel and the US.
Michael Wilner contributed to this report from Washington.