Pence reschedules Middle East visit, White House says as protests continue
US Vice President Mike Pence has cancelled a visit to Jerusalem al-Quds for now.
The administration of US President Donald Trump said Monday that Pence’s trip to Israel and Egypt, set to start on Tuesday, has been postponed.
White House officials denied suggestions that the measure is linked to massive protests in Palestine and the rest of the Middle East over Trump’s recent recognition of Jerusalem al-Quds as the Israeli capital.
The reason for the delay was said to be an upcoming tax vote in US Senate, which could need the vice president’s support.
"The tax vote is still in very good shape, but we don't want to take any chances whatsoever," said a senior administration official. "We have some senators who obviously can't make it there for the vote and the Vice President feels that it's important for him to be here for the largest tax cut in history.”
The upper chamber of US Congress is set to vote on Trump’s tax cuts as Republicans face a razor thin margin to push the legislation, particularly as GOP Senator John McCain has returned to Arizona to deal with his cancer.
On December 6, Trump said he recognizes Jerusalem al-Quds as the Israeli capital and vowed once again to move the US embassy from Tel Aviv to the city, which Palestinians consider their capital.
Hailed as a “great friend to the Jewish people” by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump has mended ties with Israel that had gone sour under former President Obama.
The Israeli regime, meanwhile, keeps taking expansionist measures in Palestine while getting engaged in atrocities against the Muslim nation.
Russia launches 'ICBM' for first time against Ukraine: Kiev
US Senate rejects bids to halt military sales to Israel
US vetoes UN resolution calling for 'permanent' ceasefire in Gaza
UN: 2024 deadliest year for aid workers amid genocide in Gaza
Gaza health official warns of hospital shutdowns within 48 hours
Israel kills 5 more paramedics in southern Lebanon: Health ministry
Iran to launch ‘new, advanced’ centrifuges in response to IAEA resolution: AEOI
Yemen fires hypersonic missile at Israeli airbase
VIDEO | New Delhi chokes under toxic smog as air quality remains at hazardous levels
VIDEO | Press TV's news headlines
VIDEO | ICC's arrest warrant for Netanyahu to worry Western politicians: Former British diplomat
PressTV NEWSLETTER
now
This makes it easy to access the Press TV website
