Speculation Rife Over President Attending US Embassy Opening in Jerusalem

Speculation is running rampant over whether or not US President Donald Trump will attend Monday’s opening of the American Embassy in Jerusalem. The Americans had previously let Jerusalem know to expect daughter Ivanka and her husband, Jared Kushner, to lead the states-side contingent which will include a strong showing from the Senate and House of Representatives. Perhaps as much as anyone, US Ambassador to Israel David M. Friedman will be reveling in the moment. Friedman’s certainty that the embassy would be moved evoked considerable criticism during the presidential campaign and during his confirmation process before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Sources in Washington tell The Media Line that the move comes at no small measure because of Friedman’s input and insistence. For his efforts, Ambassador Friedman will become the first American envoy to work out of the Jerusalem Embassy. But Israel’s top defense official is warning against Israelis becoming overly euphoric about the historic move of the embassy. Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman admonished on television Saturday night that the move “will come a price that is worth paying.”