WASHINGTON, Dec 7:
President Donald Trump has recognised Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, overturning decades of US and international policy on the disputed holy city, a hugely controversial decision which many Arab leaders warned could trigger an upheaval in the already volatile Middle East.
Trump said he had “judged this course of action to be in the best interests of the United States of America, and the pursuit of peace between Israel and the Palestinians”.
In his nationally televised address, Trump said he has “determined” that it is time to officially recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and was directing the State Department to begin preparations to move the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.
The move, which was promised by Trump during his 2016 campaign and appeals to his right-wing base, could lead to massive protests in the Middle East and elsewhere, Arab leaders have warned.
He said the US still wanted to see a peace agreement and would not take a position on “the specific boundaries of the Israeli sovereignty in Jerusalem or the resolution of contested borders”.
“The US remains deeply committed to helping facilitate a peace agreement that is acceptable to both sides. I intend to do everything in my power to help forge such an agreement.
“There will of course be disagreement and dissent regarding this announcement, but we are confident that ultimately, as we work through these disagreements, we will arrive at a place of greater understanding and cooperation,” he said in an apparent reference to the tough road ahead.
Trump said that his predecessors have not been able to take a decision in this regard despite a decision by Congress more than two decades ago.
“In 1995, Congress adopted the Jerusalem Embassy Act, urging the federal Government to relocate the American embassy to Jerusalem and to recognise that city as Israel’s capital.
“This Act passed Congress by an overwhelming bipartisan majority, and was reaffirmed by a unanimous vote of the Senate only six months ago,” Trump said.
He said that Jerusalem is not just the heart of three great religions, but it is now also the heart of one of the most successful democracies in the world.
Recognising the status of Jerusalem as a highly-sensitive issue, he said he does not think the peace process is aided by ignoring the simple truth that Jerusalem is home to Israel’s legislature, the Supreme Court, President and Prime Minister.
Trump recognised that the specific boundaries of Israeli sovereignty in Jerusalem are subject to final status negotiations between the parties and reaffirmed the US’ support for the status quo at the Temple Mount, also known as Haram al-Sharif.
Trump said he is optimistic that peace can be achieved as delaying the recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel has not helped achieve peace over the past two decades. (PTI)
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