Trump: “I have determined that it is time to officially recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel”This is the first time the United States will have an embassy in Jerusalem.
Trump also said he is “directing the State Department to begin preparation to move the American embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.”
The ramifications of an embassy move will be felt far outside of Jerusalem. It overturns 70 years of international consensus, and, many argue, effectively signals the end of moves to achieve peace between Israelis and Palestinians.
However, Trump maintains this move is part of a new approach to the conflict, and that the US is still committed to peace in the region.
“This decision is not intended in any way to reflect a departure from our strong commitment to facilitate a lasting peace agreement. We want a deal that is a great deal for the Israelis and is a great deal of the Palestinians,” he said.
President Trump said today’s announcement recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel is “nothing more or less than the recognition of reality.”
He touted Jerusalem’s standing as a religious site for Jews, Christians and Muslims, where all can worship.
“Through all of these years, presidents representing the United States have declined to officially recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital,” Trump said. “In fact, we have declined to acknowledge any Israeli capital at all. But today we finally acknowledge the obvious. That Jerusalem is Israel’s capital. This is nothing more or less than a recognition of reality. It is also the right thing to do. It’s something that has to be done.”
He added that the United States is still supportive of a two-state solution.
“The United States remains deeply committed to helping facilitate a peace agreement that is acceptable to both sides,” Trump said.
Trump: “I have determined that it is time to officially recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel”
President Trump called out presidents before him for not making this same decision. He said this is a new approach to the conflict in the region. He added that the decision is a “recognition of reality.”
“After more than two decades of waivers, we are no closer to a lasting peace agreement between Israel and the Palestinians,” Trump said.
“It would be folly to assume that repeating the exact same formula would now produce a different or better result. Therefore, I have determined that it is time to officially recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.”
Trump: “Today marks the beginning of a new approach to conflict”
“My announcement today marks the beginning of a new approach to conflict between Israel and the Palestinians. In 1995, congress adopted the Jerusalem embassy act urging the federal government to relocate the American embassy to Jerusalem and to recognize that that city and so importantly is Israel’s capital. This act passed congress by an overwhelming bipartisan majority.”
CNN