U.S. Ambassador Friedman: This year in Jerusalem

In a video released on the Facebook page of the US embassy in Jerusalem on Friday, Ambassador Friedman talked about the upcoming move.

By HAGAY HACOHEN
Updated: MAY 13, 2018 15:02
US ambassador David Friedman at the Western Wall at the blessing of the Cohanim (photo credit: MARC ISRAEL SELLEM)
US ambassador David Friedman at the Western Wall at the blessing of the Cohanim
(photo credit: MARC ISRAEL SELLEM)
In a video released by the US Embassy in Jerusalem Facebook page, US Ambassador David Friedman revealed the embassy seal that was placed on the facade of the new embassy in Jerusalem. Preparations were seen to be underway before the opening of the embassy this Monday.
Alluding to the Passover Hagada text in which Jewish people traditionally say that they hope to celebrate the holiday "next year in Jerusalem,"  the ambassador remarked, "This year, in Jerusalem."
Tensions are high ahead of the much anticipated move.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that “The situation is becoming increasingly explosive and could detonate any minute."
Israeli reporter Alon Ben David tweeted that the IDF is increasing troop presence around the Gaza Strip and in the West Bank by adding three brigades for the events coming up next week.
Israeli media reports that Hamas is hoping to generate larger scale protests ahead of the anticipated move of the US embassy to Jerusalem on Monday.