According to a formal announcement made on Friday, Russia intends to open a consular office in Israel’s capital that would serve as a satellite of its Tel Aviv embassy.
The relocation will put an end to a protracted controversy regarding a piece of property in Jerusalem that Russia bought in 1885 and is now situated on the intersection of King George and Ma’alot streets.
The Jerusalem Municipality would relinquish its hold on the plot and all of its claims against Russia for unpaid taxes and levies in accordance with a compromise deal agreed on May 18, according to Israel Hayom.
Additionally, the city will abandon its proposal to expropriate some property for the Jerusalem light rail and let Russia register a 100-meter-long strip of land under their control for a road leading to a future diplomatic facility.
Israel will receive a second diplomatic post in Jerusalem in return.
“We believe that this step fully serves the interests of further strengthening friendly multifaceted relations between Russia and Israel, as well as going in line with our country’s unchanging course towards a fair Middle East settlement,” the Russian Embassy said in a statement.
Eli Cohen, the foreign minister of Israel, praised the staff at the ministry and the Jerusalem Municipality for making the deal possible and expressed his appreciation to Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Leon.
The future location of the consular office is now being utilized as a parking lot and will stay that way until development gets underway.
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