US embassy to move to Jerusalem by the end of 2019: Mike Pence

President Donald Trump has directed the State Department to begin initial preparations to move the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, said Vice President Mike Pence.

The US embassy in Israel will move to Jerusalem by the end of 2019, Vice President Mike Pence said on Monday.

US Vice President Mike Pence stands after signing the guest book in Israel’s parliament in Jerusalem, Monday. (AP Photo)

“In the weeks ahead, our administration will advance its plan to open the US Embassy in Jerusalem — and that United States Embassy will open before the end of next year,” Pence said in a speech to the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem.

“Jerusalem is Israel’s capital — and, as such, President Trump has directed the State Department to begin initial preparations to move our embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem,” said Pence, explaining the decision. He did not give an exact date.