In Bucharest, Israel’s Justice Minister Urges Romania to Move Its Embassy to Jerusalem

Israel’s Justice Minister Yariv Levin wrapped up an official visit to Romania today (Thursday), highlighted by a speech at a special joint session of both houses of parliament in Bucharest. Marking Romania–Israel Solidarity Day, Levin said he expects the Romanian government to take a significant, declarative step and move the country’s embassy to Jerusalem.

During his stay, Levin held a series of diplomatic working meetings with senior Romanian officials, including the prime minister, cabinet ministers, and the presidents of the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies. The meetings focused on strengthening the strategic ties between Jerusalem and Bucharest and deepening cooperation across various fields, while expressing appreciation for Romania’s steady support for Israel during this challenging period.

In his address to members of parliament, Levin emphasized the deep, historic connection of the Jewish people to Israel’s capital. He pointed to the precedent set by U.S. President Donald Trump, who during his first term moved his country’s embassy to Jerusalem, a step that other nations later followed. Levin urged his hosts to do the same and relocate Romania’s embassy to Jerusalem: "I believe Romania’s flag deserves to be raised in the city of Kings David and Solomon".

A significant portion of Levin’s speech was devoted to sharp criticism of European countries that are not standing with Israel in its fight against terrorism, as well as of international moves against Israel’s political leadership. He condemned the arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court in The Hague against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu: "There are those who cynically exploit international law to deny us our basic right to self-defense. Instead of standing with the prime minister in the war against terror, they chose to issue a warrant for his arrest".