Government Approves Financial Incentives for Foreign Embassies Relocating to Jerusalem
Introduction of Incentives
The Israeli government has unanimously approved a proposal aimed at encouraging foreign countries to establish or relocate their embassies to Jerusalem. Initiated by Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar and Jerusalem and Heritage Minister Meir Porush, the plan introduces a financial incentive package worth millions of shekels. This package will cover expenses associated with the establishment or relocation of embassies, as well as address housing and planning solutions if necessary.
Progress on Embassy Relocations
This decision follows ongoing diplomatic efforts led by Minister Sa’ar to facilitate the opening of foreign missions in Jerusalem. In February, Fiji’s Prime Minister announced plans to open an embassy in Jerusalem, with the opening expected in September. Additionally, Paraguay inaugurated its embassy in Jerusalem last December, while Ecuador recently launched a diplomatic innovation offstart in the city.
Minister Gideon Sa’ar expressed that this initiative is a significant addition to the diplomatic efforts he is championing. “I commend Minister Porush for his pivotal role in this important initiative,” Sa’ar stated.
Upcoming Recognition Event
Coinciding with the government’s approval, a celebratory event is scheduled for Wednesday at the Knesset. This event will honor nations that have recognized Jerusalem as Israel’s capital or have moved their embassies to the city. It is organized by the Jerusalem Center for Applied Policy (JCAP) and Knesset member Dan Illuz, chair of the Jerusalem Lobby. The ceremony is expected to gather numerous ambassadors and diplomats, including the U.S. ambassador to Israel, members of the Knesset, and key figures from both the economic and public sectors in Jerusalem.
Minister Porush remarked, “We are continuing our efforts to strengthen Jerusalem on a diplomatic level. We will persist in encouraging and facilitating the countries that view Jerusalem as Israel’s capital to manifest this in their actions.”
Discussion on ‘start Soul’ Reform Delays
In a related discussion earlier in the day, lawmakers addressed the delays in the “start Soul” reform, aimed at improving support for Israel Defense Forces veterans, particularly in legal assistance and post-trauma care. Knesset member Michael Biton criticized the Juststart Ministry for its refusal to accept a model developed with the Defense Ministry, challenging the notion that budgetary constraints were a valid excuse for the delay. Fellow member Yorai Lahav Hertzanu echoed these concerns, expressing confusion over the reluctance to proceed.
Oren Eilon, head of the Budget Department at the Ministry of Defense, explained that a self-participation model of up to 500 shekels had been agreed upon, but the Juststart Ministry had retracted this agreement. A representative from the Juststart Ministry, Attorney Yaakov Friedberg, however, claimed that the proposed costs were too high and reiterated that budgetary limitations were the primary obstacle.
This article provides an overview of the Israeli government’s initiatives and discussions regarding the relocation of embassies to Jerusalem and the implications for veteran support reforms