US sold ambassador’s home in Israel for $67 million, records show

The United States sold the ambassador’s residence in Israel for more than $67 million over the summer, The Associated Press reported Tuesday, citing recently published Israeli tax documents.

The State Department in September confirmed the sale of the residence, located in the upscale Tel Aviv suburb of Herzliya, but did not disclose the price or the buyer, according to the AP.

That same month, the Israeli newspaper Globes identified U.S. billionaire Sheldon Adelson, a vocal supporter of President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as the buyer of the residence. A representative for Adelson said the billionaire had no comment, the AP reported.

The Hill has reached out for comment.

The $67 million price tag appears to be the single most expensive residence purchase in Israel, according to the AP, which added that congressional aides in the House and Senate said lawmakers were looking into whether the sale complied with regulations.

The sale of the ambassador’s residence was viewed as solidifying Trump’s decision to move the embassy in Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. President-elect Joe Biden has criticized that move but has said he would not reverse the decision.

While the seat of Israel’s government is in Jerusalem, nearly all countries with diplomatic relations maintain their embassies in Tel Aviv as a reflection of support for Palestinians to establish the capital of a future Palestinian state in east Jerusalem.

A State Department spokesperson on Tuesday said the sale of the ambassador’s residence followed a review of how best to support the move of the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem. Israeli realtors under contract with the U.S. government marketed the property in concert with Israeli lawyers who were also under contract and worked with embassy officials to finalize the sale, the spokesperson said.

“The sales process was open and transparent and included professional appraisals and advice to maximize value. The buyer was selected solely on the basis that they submitted the highest offer,” the spokesperson said.

The buyer is expected to take possession at closing, the spokesperson said, and there is no provision for a leaseback with rent payment.

The agency anticipates closing between now and the spring, the spokesperson added.