Key Republican lawmakers were in Jerusalem Monday to witness the opening of the new U.S. Embassy there, an event that continued to draw criticism against the U.S. and President Trump.
Republican Sens. Ted Cruz of Texas, Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, Dean Heller of Nevada, and Mike Lee of Utah, as well as Florida Gov. Rick Scott, were all spotted in Jerusalem ahead of the ceremony that will officially mark the embassy’s move from Tel Aviv, Israel.
The dedication ceremony will take place 9 a.m. Eastern Time and the congressional delegation includes the four Republican senators and 10 Republicans members of the House, Axios reported.
Top Trump aide Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump were also there.
The only two people included in the front row of Thursday’s events leading up to the dedication ceremony who are not in government were Republican megadonors Sheldon and Miriam Adelson.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with members of the Republican delegation Monday afternoon ahead of the ceremony.
“I met with Florida Gov. Rick Scott, a Senatorial delegation led by Lindsey Graham, and a Congressional delegation led by Joe Wilson,” Netanyahu posted on Twitter Monday. “Today is an historic day that constitutes a milestone in the history of our people, our state, and our alliance.”
I met with Florida Gov. Rick Scott, a Senatorial delegation led by Lindsey Graham, and a Congressional delegation led by Joe Wilson.
Today is an historic day that constitutes a milestone in the history of our people, our state, and our alliance. ???? pic.twitter.com/uGLfYHf2PN
— Benjamin Netanyahu (@netanyahu) May 14, 2018
But while Israel celebrates, the Arab League scheduled a meeting to discuss what they call an “illegal” move made by the U.S. to relocate the embassy.
MENA, a state news agency, said the meeting will include permanent representatives to the Arab League and will look “to counter the illegal decision taken by the United States of America to transfer its embassy to Jerusalem,” Reuters reported.
Signs line the streets of Jerusalem honoring President Trump ahead of the ceremony.
“Trump Make Israel Great,” The street signs read.
Sign of the times for Israelis – #Jerusalem is lined with these banners, in advance of the US Embassy move here…@WPLGLocal10 pic.twitter.com/HmIdgSkg0m
— Glenna Milberg (@GlennaOn10) May 14, 2018
Trump tweeted in celebration Monday morning that the events have begun and said it will be a “great day for Israel.”
“U.S. Embassy opening in Jerusalem will be covered live on @FoxNews & @FoxBusiness. Lead up to 9:00 A.M. (eastern) event has already begun. A great day for Israel!” President Trump posted to Twitter.
U.S. Embassy opening in Jerusalem will be covered live on @FoxNews & @FoxBusiness. Lead up to 9:00 A.M. (eastern) event has already begun. A great day for Israel!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 14, 2018
Although Trump will not be attending the dedication ceremony in person, he will be addressing the event via video message.
