Donald Trump declares Jerusalem Israel’s capital as region braces for violent backlash
Despite global warnings and the risk of anti-American protests, US President Trump announced he would begin moving the US embassy to Jerusalem
Donald Trump formally recognised Jerusalem as the capital of Israel on Wednesday, breaking with years of precedent and potentially leading to unpredictable consequences for the Middle East.
“I have determined that it is time to officially recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel,” the US leader said in a speech from the White House. “This is nothing more or less than a recognition of reality. It’s the right thing to do.”
The region is now braced for the prospect of unrest, and US embassies around the world have been advised by the state department to bolster their security. US government employees have been told to avoid Jerusalem’s Old City and the West Bank until further notice.
The status of Jerusalem – home to sites holy to the Muslim, Jewish and Christian religions – is one of the thorniest obstacles to reaching a peace deal between Israel and the Palestinians.
Trump said the decision was made based on ancient history and current political realities that the Israeli legislature and many government offices are in Jerusalem.
Why is China so worried about Trump recognising Jerusalem as Israel’s capital?
He ordered the state department to start the process of planning and building a new US embassy in Jerusalem – a process that officials had said would take at least three years.
Trump said that in taking the step the US “is not taking a position on any final status issues including the specific boundaries of Israeli sovereignty in Jerusalem.”