US set to open embassy in Jerusalem

IANS  |  Washington 

The US is set to open its new embassy in on Monday, formally breaking from decades of established American policy and international practice in a move that US officials say will create greater regional stability.

The move has been praised by but condemned by Palestinians who were expected to hold mass protests.

US will address the ceremony by video and he will be represented by his daughter and Ivanka Trump and

At least 800 people were expected to attend the event, including a congressional delegation and a presidential delegation led by

The American delegation touched down Sunday, and following a reception with the Israeli Foreign Ministry, dined at Benjamin Netanyahu's house.

Netanyahu heaped praise on Trump, saying: "Thank you, Trump, for your bold decision... Thank you for making the alliance between and the US stronger than ever."

"Now, you know how you recognize real leadership? It's when others follow, and others are following in Trump's footsteps," he said, telling the crowd that and would both move their embassies later this week.

Palestinians seek East as their own future capital and see the US move as backing Israeli control over the whole city. For its part, Israel considers all of as its indivisible capital.

The said that the embassy opening will take place on the 70th anniversary of American recognition of the State of Israel, the day of its founding and a day that Palestinians refer to as "the Catastrophe", as hundreds of thousands fled their homes.

Trump's decision last year to recognise Jerusalem as Israel's capital broke with decades of US neutrality on the issue and put it at odds with most of the international community.

President described Trump's decision as the "slap of the century".

Meanwhile, thousands of Palestinians were gathering for a protest along the perimeter fence that separates Israel and the on Monday.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

First Published: Mon, May 14 2018. 14:32 IST