FOREIGN POLICY/ISRAEL/PALESTINE/STATE: “The State Department is set to begin operating its embassy in Jerusalem in May and is entertaining an unusual offer from Sheldon Adelson, Republican Party donor and casino magnate, to help pay for a new facility after an initial move from Tel Aviv, U.S. officials said.
Secretary of State Rex Tillerson late Thursday [2-22-18] signed off on security plans for converting a consular facility in Jerusalem’s Arnona neighborhood. Officials said they are eyeing a ribbon-cutting ceremony on May 14 to coincide with the 70th anniversary of Israel’s declaring independence.
At first, David Friedman, U.S. Ambassador to Israel, and a small group of aides will begin working from the facility. Next, the State Department will begin retrofitting that complex to accommodate more officials, and the department is considering exploring building a new embassy facility in Jerusalem. Mr. Adelson has offered to contribute to the effort to build a new embassy, but the discussions are informal so far.
State Department officials are examining whether the U.S. could accept such a gift. Mr. Adelson’s offer was earlier reported by the Associated Press. A representative to Mr. Adelson didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.”
-Felicia Schwartz, “U.S.’s Jerusalem Embassy Set to Open in May, Could Get Adelson Funds,” The Wall Street Journal online, Feb. 23, 2108 11:31am