The Moldovan Government Has Approved the Relocation of the Country's Embassy to Jerusalem

The Government of Moldova, led by Pavel Filip, has approved the relocation of the country's embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. This decision fulfills a commitment made by Moldovan President Igor Dodon, originally announced during a meeting with the leadership of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress (EAJC), headed by Mikhail Mirilashvili. During the meeting, which took place in Jerusalem last December, Dodon pledged to consider the embassy relocation "with the utmost seriousness." Prime Minister Filip expressed confidence that the decision would be implemented regardless of the outcome of the upcoming snap elections in Moldova.

EAJC President Mikhail Mirilashvili expressed his gratitude to the country's leadership: "This is a historic decision that will elevate bilateral relations to a new level. Moldova will always be remembered by Israelis and Jews worldwide as one of the first nations to relocate its embassy to Jerusalem. This step is a logical continuation of the Moldovan authorities' policy to strengthen ties with the Jewish community and combat antisemitism. We congratulate the peoples of both nations on this significant milestone and are pleased to contribute to the development of friendly relations between Moldova and Israel."

EAJC Director General Haim Ben Yakov emphasized: "The status of Jerusalem remains one of the core issues in the Middle East. The relocation of embassies to Jerusalem demonstrates an understanding that Jerusalem has always been the spiritual heart of our people, and that a peaceful resolution to the Arab-Israeli conflict is inconceivable without Jerusalem as the capital of the State of Israel."

The United States recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel in December 2017 and relocated its embassy from Tel Aviv in May 2018. Guatemala subsequently moved its embassy to Jerusalem as well. On September 13, 2018, the Czech authorities announced the relocation of their embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. In December 2018, Australia recognized West Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. Russia recognizes West Jerusalem as Israel's capital.