U.S. embassy in Jerusalem to open in May

The U.S. Department of State said Friday that it would open its new U.S. embassy in Jerusalem in May.

“In May, the United States plans to open a new U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem,” the State Department said in a statement. “The opening will coincide with Israel’s 70th anniversary.”

The Embassy will initially be located in the Arnona neighborhood, in a modern building that now houses consular operations of U.S. Consulate General Jerusalem. The interim Embassy in will contain office space for the Ambassador and a small staff. By the end of next year, we intend to open a new Embassy Jerusalem annex on the Arnona compound that will provide the Ambassador and his team with expanded interim office space.

The department has started the search for a site for their permanent Embassy to Israel,the planning and construction of which will be a longer-term undertaking.

“We are excited about taking this historic step, and look forward with anticipation to the May opening,” the State Department added.