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US embassy in Israel stays open despite government shutdown

“Essential personnel” will “continue to provide emergency services, as well as routine services to American citizens,” State Department spokesperson Robert Palladino told reporters.

A view of the U.S. embassy in Jerusalem’s Arnona neighborhood, Feb. 24, 2018. Credit: Yonatan Sindel/Flash90.
A view of the U.S. embassy in Jerusalem’s Arnona neighborhood, Feb. 24, 2018. Credit: Yonatan Sindel/Flash90.

Part of the U.S. government is closed after Congress was unable to pass a budget on Friday over the funding for the government that was not provided last summer.

This comes as there was not at least nine Democrats to meet the 60-vote threshold to avoid a Senate filibuster and pass a $5 billion House bill for U.S. President Donald Trump’s desired border wall.

But U.S. embassies, including the one in Jerusalem, will remain open.

“Essential personnel” will “continue to provide emergency services, as well as routine services to American citizens,” State Department spokesperson Robert Palladino told reporters on Tuesday.

This includes “passport and consular services, visa services, assisting American citizens overseas.”

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) announced on Friday that the upper chamber will meet on Thursday afternoon to discuss the situation.

A State Department official said that there was “significant momentum,” citing a successful pilot-zone launch in Lebanon and the Lebanese president’s meeting with Trump.
The operation took place in and around Tulkarem, Qalqilya, Shuweika and nearby Palestinian Authority cities and villages.
Additional attacks over the weekend killed two terrorist commanders in the Strip.
Due to heightened security concerns, government personnel and their families face temporary restrictions on entering the territory.
No air-raid sirens were activated “in accordance with protocol,” the military said.
The Israeli prime minister has met the U.S. president more than any other world leader since the latter’s return to office.