Czech PM mulls moving embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem – EURACTIV.

Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala is considering a significant diplomatic shift by moving the Czech embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. This idea, which mirrors the United States’ decision in 2018, is a testament to Czechia’s historical support for Israel. However, the proposal is not without controversy due to the complex and sensitive nature of Jerusalem, a city claimed as the capital by both Israel and Palestine and home to sacred sites for Jews and Muslims.

The Israeli government’s key institutions, including the prime minister’s home and the parliament, are located in West Jerusalem, which Israel has controlled since the 1940s. East Jerusalem, captured by Israel in 1967, is considered an occupied territory by much of the international community. Palestine, on the other hand, seeks to establish East Jerusalem as its official capital.

While Czech diplomacy currently maintains an office in Jerusalem, the embassy is based in Tel Aviv. Prime Minister Fiala, a long-time proponent of relocating the embassy to Jerusalem, believes this move would be desirable and intends to discuss the specifics with his coalition partners. He suggests that such a relocation could be resolved in a matter of months.

However, Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský opposes the move, citing three unmet conditions: it would violate international law, contradict the EU line, and potentially escalate the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, posing a security risk. Given the foreign minister’s pivotal role in such decisions, Fiala’s proposal might face significant hurdles.

Czech President Petr Pavel also expressed reservations, emphasizing that in a situation where Israel is in a state of war, discussing the embassy’s relocation is inappropriate. He advocates for maintaining unity in support of Israel within Czech politics and at the European Union and other international platforms.

For more details, you can read the original article on Euractiv.