U.S. Consulate General Jerusalem will merge into U.S. Embassy Jerusalem to form a single diplomatic mission on Monday, deputy spokesperson for the State Department Robert Palladino said.

“This decision was driven by our global efforts to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of our diplomatic engagements and operations. It does not signal a change of U.S. policy on Jerusalem, the West Bank, or the Gaza Strip. As the President has stated, the United States continues to take no position on final status issues, including boundaries or borders. The specific boundaries of Israeli sovereignty in Jerusalem are subject to final status negotiations between the parties. The Administration remains fully committed to efforts to achieve a lasting and comprehensive peace that offers a brighter future to Israel and the Palestinians,” the statement issued by State Department says.

In October 2018 Mike Pompeo said Washington plans to merge the consulate and the embassy, and a new department on Palestinian issues will be established.