Trump to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital

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Senior White House officials have confirmed that US President Donald Trump will formally recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel in a speech at 18:00 GMT on Wednesday.

The decision, which reverses a long-standing US policy on the city, has been met with fierce resistance from across the international community. No other country has its embassy in Jerusalem.

Officials said the move fulfills Trump’s campaign promise and claimed it had bi-partisan support in the US Congress.

The decision is a recognition of the historic reality that Jerusalem has been capital of Jewish people and faith, and also the modern reality that it is the seat of nearly all of Israeli government, the officials added.

Trump will direct the US State Department to develop a plan to move the embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, a process that is expected to take years rather than months. No decision has been made on where the new embassy will be located.

Consequences for peace deal

Trump told Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Tuesday that he is committed to facilitating a peace deal and believes such a deal remains possible.

US President Donald Trump meets with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas during the UN General Assembly in New York, US, September 20, 2017. /Reuters Photo

However, the decision to recognize Jerusalem rather than Tel Aviv as Israel’s capital brings an end to the US policy that Jerusalem’s status must be determined in negotiations with Palestine.

Abbas spokesman Nabil Abu Rdainah said the Palestinian leader warned Trump of the “dangerous consequences” that moving the embassy would have for peace efforts and regional stability.

The White House officials said Trump is prepared to support a two-state solution if agreed by the two parties. They added that he recognizes that specific boundaries of Israeli sovereignty in Jerusalem are subject to final status negotiations.

The officials contended that not recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital had done nothing to achieve peace between the sides.

The issue prompted division within the White House. Reuters quoted anonymous sources as saying Vice President Mike Pence and David Friedman, US ambassador to Israel, lobbied for recognition of Jerusalem and embassy relocation, while Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Defense Secretary Jim Mattis opposed the move from Tel Aviv.

US embassies across the Middle East are on alert following news of Trump’s decision, with protests expected and US diplomats warned to exercise caution.

“Departments and agencies have developed and implemented a robust security plan to ensure the safety of our citizens and assets in the greater Middle East,” an administration official said.