The Russian embassy and an official from the Israeli Foreign Ministry confirmed today, Friday, that the Russian embassy in Israel will open a branch office in Jerusalem as part of an agreement with the city. The Russian embassy in Israel stated in a press release that "the deal concerning a piece of land in West Jerusalem, purchased by Russia in 1885, was settled with the Jerusalem municipality on May 18, after years of procedures. The land will be used for the construction of a building complex for the consular section of the embassy."
While most foreign embassies are located in Tel Aviv, four embassies have opened in Jerusalem after the United States recognized the city as Israel's capital in 2017. Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen welcomed the agreement, which the ministry described as a diplomatic achievement aligned with its efforts to increase the number of foreign missions in Jerusalem.
In turn, Russian Ambassador Anatoly Viktorov in Israel noted that Russia intends to build the complex within five to ten years, adding that the agreement "takes into account the interests of both countries." The status of Jerusalem is one of the biggest obstacles to reaching a peace agreement between Israel and the Palestinians. The international community does not recognize Israeli sovereignty over the entire city, believing that the status of Jerusalem should be resolved through negotiations.
This step, which contradicted decades of U.S. policy, pleased Israel and angered Palestinians who claim it violates international law and could undermine the chances of establishing an independent Palestinian state. When former U.S. President Donald Trump announced the recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed serious concern, stating that "such steps could undermine the prospects for the peace process in the Middle East." However, the Russian embassy's statement today mentioned that the opening of the branch office in Jerusalem "aligns with our country’s unwavering path towards a just settlement in the Middle East."
