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Mike Pence delays visit to Israel

The Knesset confirmed Mr Pence would now arrive next week, either on Tuesday or Wednesday

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Mike Pence, the United States Vice-President, has announced his is delaying his visit to Israel.

Mr Pence was expected to arrive in the country on Sunday but has been forced to re-arrange his plans because he is required to discuss tax reforms in Congress.

His trip comes after President Donald Trump's announcement that the US recognised Jerusalem as Israel's capital and will move the US embassy to the city.

According to Haaretz the delays are connected to the announcement.

It reported that US sources said Mr Trump’s Middle East peace initiative is "stuck" since he made the decision to recognise Jerusalem.

The Knesset confirmed Mr Pence would now arrive next week, either on Tuesday or Wednesday.

The Vice-President is expected to address the Knesset, and will become the first senior US politician to do so since George W Bush in 2008.

In an interview on the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN), he said he felt “humbled” at having the opportunity to speak in Israel’s parliament.

He said he would deliver a strong message of support for Israel while reaffirming the commitment to peace in the region.

“If the world knows nothing else, the world should know this: Under President Donald Trump, America stands with Israel,” he said.

The Vice-President is also expected to visit the Palestinian Authority and Egypt while he is in the region.

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