Czechia expected to move embassy to Jerusalem in 2026

The Czech Republic is expected to move its embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem next year, an official said on Tuesday, effectively recognizing the city as the country’s capital.

The show of support from one of Israel’s closest European allies comes as Argentina plans to open its embassy in Jerusalem in the spring, and as Hungary weighs a similar move.

The country’s new governing coalition, led by the right-wing ANO 2011 party, was sworn in on Monday. Its leader, Andrej Babiš, has served as prime minister once before, and Prague is expected to move even closer to Israel diplomatically.

Speaking at a Chabad Chanukah event in Prague, incoming Czech Foreign Minister Petr Macinka said: “I personally am very much looking forward… to be present when one of the symbols of solidarity becomes the fact that the Czech Republic finally moves its embassy to Jerusalem. It should have been there a long time ago.”

Posting on Twitter/X, Israel’s ambassador to the Czech Republic, Amir Weissbrod, praised Macinka for attending: “In Prague, many people gathered to celebrate the holiday together and express solidarity in the fight against antisemitism. My sincere thanks go to all the distinguished guests who attended this evening. This evening there was an exceptional atmosphere.”

During his speech, the Foreign Minister also addressed the antisemitic terror attack in Sydney the day before, where 15 people were murdered.

Prague opened a “Czech House” in Jerusalem in November 2018, marking its first step towards establishing an embassy in the capital.