WASHINGTON—Representative Eliot L. Engel, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, today made the following statement:

“I welcome the opening of the United States embassy in Jerusalem, the eternal capital of the Jewish people and the State of Israel.  This move is long overdue, and I look forward to visiting. 

“Jerusalem remains a holy city for Jews, Christians, and Muslims, and the location of the American embassy does not diminish those sacred connections. This move acknowledges that the seat of the Israeli government is in Jerusalem.  The Prime Minister, the Knesset, and many Israeli government agencies are in Jerusalem. It only makes sense that the United States representative should be located in Jerusalem as well. 

“I look forward to the construction of a permanent embassy, and as Ranking Member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, I will do everything in my power to support the next steps.

“As the United States endeavors to help those in the region build a more peaceful and secure future, I look forward to hearing what the Administration’s plan is to bring the parties together to work toward two states for two peoples.”

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