The Democratic Republic of Congo has announced its intention to relocate its embassy in Israel to Jerusalem, joining a select group of nations that have recognized Israeli sovereignty over the contested city.
The decision was communicated following a meeting between Congolese President Felix-Antoine Tshisekedi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. A joint statement indicated that steps would be taken to move the embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, though a specific timeline for this relocation was not provided. The leaders reportedly discussed their shared commitment to strengthening bilateral diplomatic relations.
President Tshisekedi has previously expressed strong support for Israel, citing his Christian faith as a primary motivator. His administration has also sought increased backing from the United States, particularly amid concerns over Rwandan rebel activity within the Democratic Republic of Congo.
This development follows similar announcements from other countries. Weeks prior, Colombia's new president, Abelardo de la Espriella, declared his intention to move his nation's embassy to Jerusalem, marking a significant policy shift from his predecessor. The vast majority of nations maintain their diplomatic missions in Tel Aviv, asserting that Jerusalem's final status should be determined through a comprehensive resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The United States, under President Donald Trump, broke with international consensus in 2018 by moving its embassy to Jerusalem. Since then, only a handful of smaller nations, including Fiji, Guatemala, Honduras, Papua New Guinea, and Paraguay, have followed suit. Kosovo and Somaliland, neither of which are UN member states, have also established diplomatic presences in Jerusalem.
Argentina's President Javier Milei, a vocal proponent of Israel, has also pledged to move his country's embassy to Jerusalem. However, this move has reportedly been complicated by disagreements concerning Israeli company drilling plans in the Falkland Islands, a territory claimed by Argentina.
