US delegation in Israel to examine embassy relocation

By Kaamil Ahmed

JERUSALEM (AA) – An unofficial U.S. delegation arrived in Jerusalem Saturday night to reportedly examine the potential for moving the U.S. embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, local media reported.

Led by Congressman Ron DeSantis, the delegation will prepare a report with recommendations on the controversial move, Israel Radio quoted Israeli political adviser Ruth Lieberman, who is close to DeSantis, as saying.

The potential move was promised by US President Donald Trump during his election campaign but he has since appeared to tone down his commitment to it.

The move has been opposed by Palestinians who see it as recognizing Jerusalem as Israel's capital despite the city's disputed status and the occupation of East Jerusalem.

Jerusalem remains at the core of the perennial Israel-Palestine conflict, as the Palestinians want Israeli-occupied East Jerusalem as the capital of a future state.