Required permits waived for U.S. Jerusalem Embassy

President Trump stunned the world in December with his recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital.

The Muslim world was enraged, and even more so when it was announced recently that the U.S. Embassy will move to Jerusalem in May.

Now, Israel has waived the permit requirements for the new embassy.

"I am thankful for the privilege of being the finance minister and the head of the National Council for Planning and Building who will oversee the relocation of the American Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem," said Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon, Breaking Israel News reported.

There had been concerns about the need for a three-meter wall around the existing U.S. Consulate General site in south Jerusalem.

The site's current zoning wouldn't have allowed changes, leading Foreign Ministry Director General Yuval Rotem to suggest the opening, now set for May 14, Israel's 70th anniversary on the Gregorian calendar, could be delayed.

Kahlin simply ordered such requirements waived, stating, "See you all in May."

The grand mufti of Jerusalem warned recently that there will be war if the United States follows through on its announced plan to open an embassy in Jerusalem.

The official Palestinian Authority daily Al-Hayat Al-Jadida reported Sheik Muhammad Hussein, described as "preacher at the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque," "warned against the severity of the American administration's decision on transferring its embassy to occupied Jerusalem," according to Palestinian Media Watch.

The report said Hussein "explained that the transfer of the American embassy to Jerusalem, if it is carried out, will not be an attack on the Palestinians alone, but rather a blatant attack on the Arabs and Muslims throughout the world … and that it will not serve peace and security in the region, but rather bring upon it disasters of wars, anarchy, and instability."

Trump, on Dec. 6, formally recognized Jerusalem as Israel's capital after three previous administrations had signed waivers every six months delaying enactment of a law passed by Congress.

Later, the State Department announced the new U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem will open May 14, 2018, the 70th anniversary of Israel's declaration of independence in 1948.