DR Congo latest to promise moving Israel embassy to Jerusalem

The Democratic Republic of Congo announced on Thursday that it would relocate its embassy in Israel to Jerusalem. This move aligns the DRC with a select group of nations, notably the United States, that have backed Israeli sovereignty in the disputed city. Following a meeting between DRC President Felix-Antoine Tshisekedi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, both countries pledged to take steps for the embassy's relocation from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem without specifying a timeline.

Tshisekedi, known for his warm relations with Israel, has often cited his Christian faith as the basis for his support. He has also sought US support, which has pressured Rwanda to address rebel advances in the DRC. The announcement follows Colombia's new president, Abelardo de la Espriella, who also plans to move his country's embassy to Jerusalem, a significant change from his leftist predecessor.

Most countries that recognize Israel maintain their embassies in Tel Aviv, believing that Jerusalem's status will be determined in a final resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Only a few countries have followed the US lead since 2018, including Fiji, Guatemala, Honduras, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Kosovo, Somaliland, and Argentine President Javier Milei, who has promised a move but has not yet executed it.