Trump declares Jerusalem capital of Israel

Trump+declares+Jerusalem+capital+of+Israel

Mohamed Amn, Writer

On Wednesday December 6, President Donald Trump, despite multiple warnings from world leaders, broke decades of U.S. foreign policy and formally recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

In Trump’s latest speech, he announced that it was time for America to take a new approach on the “failing Middle East.” According to Trump, recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital was merely “recognizing the obvious.” The U.S. also plans on moving its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

Looking to the future, a number of world leaders warned that recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel would infuriate the Muslim community and damage peace prospects in an area plagued with instability. British Prime Minister Theresa May spoke to Trump regarding her country’s support for a two state solution. Saudi Arabia’s King Salman also spoke to Trump about the negative effects of recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. Abbas and Jordan’s King Abdullah II specifically told Trump to “not move the US embassy to Jerusalem.”

On the other hand, in Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that their nation is “profoundly grateful” and that the announcement would be a “great step towards peace.”

Jerusalem is considered the holiest site in the world for Judaism, is home to Islam’s third greatest mosque and several other religious sites. Previously, the US never recognized any claim over the area and recognized it as a place for its two state solution of peace. However, President Trump’s decision will now overturn this policy.