fbpx

Trump: Decision on Jerusalem Embassy ‘In Not Too Distant Future’

President Donald Trump on Sunday insisted that he is still inclined to follow through with a campaign promise to move the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, despite a perceived delay in plans.

“I’m looking at it. We are studying it very, very long and hard,” Trump said in an interview with CBN News’ The Brody File, broadcast on Sunday. “It’s a very big, big decision, but we are studying the issue right now.”

Measuring his words, Trump seemed to indicate where his heart is on the issue. “I’ve always liked the concept of doing it, I will tell you that,” he said. “I will have a decision in the not too distant future.”

Asked what the chances are that the embassy will be moved to Jerusalem, the President said, “There is certainly a chance of it, absolutely.” Adding, “We are doing very detailed studies on that, and we will come out very soon. I hate to do that because that’s not usually me – studies – usually I do what’s right. But this has two sides to it, it’s not easy, and I will make a decision over the not too distant future.”

Last week, White house Press Secretary Sean Spicer said that the Administration was “at the very beginning stages of even discussing” moving the embassy. In an interview with Sean Hannity on Fox News, Trump said, “I don’t want to talk about it yet. It’s too early.”

Jewish American groups have urged the President to move the embassy as soon as possible, worrying that a delay would result in holding back from conducting the move.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday dismissed reports that he has asked Trump to delay the embassy relocation. “I want to take the opportunity to make it unequivocally clear that our position has always been, and remains so now and at all times, that the U.S. embassy should be here, in Jerusalem,” Netanyahu said at the start of the weekly cabinet meeting in Jerusalem.

Subscribe now to
the Daily Kickoff

The politics and business news you need to stay up to date, delivered each morning in a must-read newsletter.