Worshippers at the Western Wall in the Old City of Jerusalem, Jan. 17, 2017.
Moving the embassy to Jerusalem would not only keep an unequivocal campaign promise but would also be in line with USA law, which three successive administrations have chosen not to observe over the past 18 years, by passing six-monthly national security waivers.
Friedman arrived Monday and immediately visited the Western Wall, praying there and kissing the sacred site. "We believe Israel is willing, we believe you're willing, and if you both are willing, we're going to make a deal", he said at a joint press conference with Abbas.
Separately, Israelis were riled on Monday by a report on Channel 2 news that a member of the U.S. delegation making preparations for Mr Trump's visit rejected a request that Mr Netanyahu accompany Mr Trump when he visits the Western Wall, the Jewish religious site that lies in Jerusalem's Israeli-occupied eastern half.
However, last week the White House denied rumors that Trump had shelved plans for the embassy move.
In late March, Israeli and US officials held talks in Washington, building on another round of meetings in the Middle East earlier that month. Commentators said the Palestinian leader who paid a visit to Moscow before landing in Delhi on Sunday would enlighten India's political leadership about the direction that West Asian peace talks would take in the coming days.
Trump is visiting Israel next week, during which Israel will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of having "reunified" Jerusalem through military conquest, a fact which they are simultaneously planning to celebrate and apparently react angrily if anyone mentions.
The Palestinians seek a state in the West Bank, Gaza Strip and east Jerusalem, lands Israel captured in 1967. Current US policy is that East Jerusalem's status should be determined by Israeli-Palestinian negotiations.
A Fox News reporter cited sources saying Netanyahu had asked Trump not to move the embassy now, leading the prime minister to issue an angry rebuttal.
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One focal point of President Trump's visit next week is bound to be Jerusalem.
On the campaign trail, Trump voiced solidly pro-Israel positions.
Palestinians were disappointed when Trump failed to mention a two-state solution with Abbas at the White House on May 3.
Israel's right-wing had placed high hopes in Trump's presidency following his pledges of ardent support for Israel and a commitment to move the embassy from Tel Aviv to the disputed city of Jerusalem.
Friedman, a fundraiser for settlement causes and vocal critic of liberal Jewish groups, has backtracked from some of his controversial positions.
The new United States ambassador to Israel, David Friedman, departed from diplomatic protocol by visiting the Western Wall on Monday.
Spokesman Micky Rosenfeld told the Post: "The second option means hundreds of officers along Route 1 [a highway connecting Tel Aviv to Jerusalem]". "I am very disappointed he hasn't moved the embassy", Klein told Jewish Insider in a phone interview. "I wished him success, especially on his upcoming trip". He is scheduled to meet Netanyahu in Jerusalem before travelling to Bethlehem to meet with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.
Israeli government coalition Chairman, David Bitan, said the bill will be submitted with some changes "only on condition that the Haredim [ultra-orthodox Jews] remove their opposition".
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