Speaking to Israel's parliament Monday, Vice President Mike Pence confirmed the U.S. plans to open its embassy in Jerusalem before the end of 2019.
This announcement comes after The New York Times reported Thursday the Trump administration wants to move the U.S. Embassy out of Tel Aviv faster than anticipated. Officials had estimated the move could take years.
Pence defended President Donald Trump's decision to relocate the embassy. He said Trump was acting "in the best interests of the United States — but he also made it clear that we believe this decision is in the best interests of peace."
While Pence spoke to lawmakers, several politicians were removed from the chamber for protesting.
The Joint List, an Arab-majority party in Israel's parliament, had vowed to boycott Pence's speech.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the boycott a "disgrace."
Additional reporting from Newsy affiliate CNN.
