In a significant diplomatic development, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) has decided to relocate its embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, as confirmed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. This decision follows a meeting between Netanyahu and Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi at the United Nations General Assembly.
Furthermore, Israel will reciprocate by opening an embassy in Kinshasa, the capital of DR Congo. This move places DR Congo among the select group of countries that have their embassies in the disputed city of Jerusalem. Currently, only a handful of nations, including the United States, Guatemala, and Honduras, have maintained their embassies in Jerusalem, while most others have kept their diplomatic representations in Tel Aviv, Israel's primary economic center.
It's important to note that Jerusalem holds a contentious status in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Israel regards Jerusalem as its eternal and indivisible capital, urging all countries to establish their embassies there. However, Palestinians aspire to have the capital of their independent state in the city's eastern sector, which Israel seized during the 1967 Six-Day War.
The international community, for the most part, does not recognize Israeli sovereignty over the entire city and believes that its status should be determined through negotiations. The relocation of embassies to Jerusalem has been a subject of debate and contention.
In May 2018, the United States officially moved its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, following then-President Donald Trump's declaration of Jerusalem as Israel's capital. This move was met with widespread criticism across the Middle East and was seen as a provocative action against Palestine. The opening ceremony of the US embassy was held amidst heavy security measures and Palestinian protests, including demonstrations in Gaza calling for the right of refugees to return to the homes they were forcibly expelled from 70 years ago.
DR Congo's decision to move its embassy to Jerusalem adds another layer to the complex and sensitive diplomatic landscape of the city, further highlighting the ongoing tensions and differing perspectives surrounding its status.
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