DR Congo joins countries pledging embassy move to Jerusalem | Israel-Palestine conflict News
Democratic Republic of the Congo to Relocate Embassy to Jerusalem
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has confirmed its intention to move its embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. This announcement follows a recent visit by DRC President Felix-Antoine Tshisekedi to Israel, where officials from both nations discussed the transition.
In a statement released Thursday, the DRC and Israeli governments outlined plans to facilitate the embassy relocation. This move is part of a broader trend, as various countries express interest in strengthening diplomatic ties with Israel.
The DRC’s decision dates back to September 2023, when Tshisekedi first met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during the United Nations General Assembly in New York. President Tshisekedi had previously signaled a renewed commitment to diplomatic relations with Israel, which include plans for appointing an ambassador for the first time in two decades and establishing an economic section at the embassy.
The relationship between the DRC and Israel has deepened since then. In November, Israeli President Isaac Herzog visited Kinshasa, further solidifying bilateral discussions. Tshisekedi has long expressed admiration for Israel, attributing his support to his Christian faith, as well as seeking assistance from the United States amid increased tensions in the region linked to armed rebel activities in the DRC.
The DRC’s embassy move follows similar announcements from other governments, including Colombia’s recent commitment under President Abelardo de la Espriella to relocate its embassy to Jerusalem. This represents a notable shift from the previous administration’s stance, which criticized Israel’s actions in Gaza.
The United States set a precedent in 2018 by moving its embassy to Jerusalem during President Donald Trump’s administration. Since then, several nations, including Fiji, Guatemala, Honduras, Papua New Guinea, and Paraguay, have followed suit. Additionally, Kosovo and Somaliland, both of which are not UN member states, maintain missions they consider embassies within Jerusalem.
The majority of countries with diplomatic relations to Israel continue to keep their embassies in Tel Aviv, maintaining that the status of Jerusalem should ultimately be resolved through negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians. Israel regards the entire city as its capital and has actively encouraged nations to establish embassies there, while Palestinians aim for East Jerusalem to serve as the capital of a future Palestinian state.
The United Nations Security Council has consistently rejected initiatives that would alter Jerusalem’s status and has urged countries not to establish diplomatic missions in the city.
