Standing next to Ivanka Trump, Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin pulled off a cover to reveal the seal of the US embassy, making the embassy's move from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem official.
Dozens die in Gaza as US Embassy opens in Jerusalem
By Meg Wagner and Brian Ries, CNN
Updated 7:10 a.m. ET, May 15, 2018
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With the seal unveiled, the US embassy in Jerusalem is official
Trump: "It's been a long time coming"
President Trump gave remarks (via a pre-recorded video) at the US embassy opening in Jerusalem.
"Today we officially opened the United States embassy in Jerusalem. Congratulations. It��s been a long time coming," he said.
Trump added:
"For many years we failed to acknowledge the obvious, the plain reality that Israel’s capital is Jerusalem."
Watch more:
Embassy opening ceremony kicks off with US national anthem
The US embassy opening ceremony in Jerusalem just started with a performance of the national anthem.
A little later, Jared Kushner, a senior adviser to the President and Trump's son-in-law, will speak.
Iranian official: US embassy move is "speeding up annihilation" of Israel
A high-ranking Iranian official said on Monday that the United States’ decision to move the US embassy to Jerusalem brings Israel closer to “annihilation.”
“The catastrophic measure will bring more unity and solidarity among world Muslims in defending their sanctities while speeding up annihilation of the fake Zionist regime,” said Ali Shamkhani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, as reported by state-run IRNA News Agency.
Here's what Jared Kushner will say at the embassy opening
The White House released parts of the prepared remarks Jared Kushner will deliver at today's US embassy opening.
- On Trump's decision to move the embassy: "While Presidents before him have backed down from their pledge to move the American Embassy once they were in office, this President delivered. Because when President Trump makes a promise, he keeps it."
- On Israel: "Israel proves every day the boundless power of freedom. This land is the only land in the Middle East in which Jews, Muslims, and Christians, and people of all faiths participate and worship freely according to their beliefs."
- On Iran: "Iran’s aggression threatens the many peace-loving citizens throughout the region and the world."
- On the Israeli-Palestinian conflict: "We believe, it is possible for both sides to gain more than they give — so that all people can live in peace — safe from danger, free from fear, and able to pursue their dreams."
Jared Kushner will speak at the embassy ceremony
Jared Kushner, a senior adviser to the President and Trump's son-in-law, will speak at the embassy opening in Jerusalem, which starts soon.
At least 37 people killed in Gaza clashes, Palestinian Ministry of Health says
From CNN's Ameera Ahmad
At least 37 people have been killed during clashes Monday along the border fence between Israel and Gaza, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health.
This is the biggest number of fatalities suffered in one day since the latest round of demonstrations began more than six weeks ago. The previous highest number was 17 on March 30, the first day of the protests.
By a CNN count, based on Ministry of Health figures, more than 90 people have been killed in the demonstrations since March 30.
Moments away: US will open embassy in Jerusalem
From CNN's James Masters
Today is the day.
The Trump administration will officially move the US embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem on Monday, formally breaking with decades of established US policy and international practice.
While US officials say the move will create greater stability, critics claim the decision to recognize Jerusalem as the Israeli capital could further increase tensions in the region.
The move has outraged Palestinians, who are protesting today at the fence separating Gaza and Israel. A number of deaths have been reported.
The embassy event is expected to get underway at 9 a.m. ET (4 p.m. local time) with Trump’s daughter, Ivanka, and her husband Jared Kushner, both in attendance.
Trump says he saved almost $1 billion on US embassy in Jerusalem
From CNN's James Masters
If you were listening to President Trump’s speech in Indiana last Thursday, you probably heard him talking about how he saved the US $1 billion in moving the embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.
For now, the administration is designating the US consular facility in Jerusalem as its official US embassy, but the process of building a new permanent embassy in the contested city will take years.
Trump failed to mention that distinction Thursday, telling the crowd that the US would spend only “$200,000 to $300,000” on the new embassy, versus a $1 billion proposal he said he was initially presented.
So, how much is it all going to cost in the end? Here’s CNN’s Zachary Cohen with what you need to know.