Trump says the U.S. will recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital

(Image credit: Getty Images)

published 6 December 2017

On Wednesday, President Trump will announce that the United States will formally recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, a campaign promise he made to evangelical Christians and pro-Israel supporters.

He also plans on moving the U.S. embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, but will sign a national security waiver to keep the embassy where it is for the next six months, White House officials said. Trump spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, and other Arab leaders on Tuesday, telling them of his decision, The New York Times reports.

Saudi Arabia's state television said King Salman warned Trump that "moving the U.S. embassy is a dangerous step that provokes the feelings of Muslims around the world." He's been told by others that the move could derail the already shaky peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians, but White House officials said Trump will be clear the United States is not taking sides. For more on why Jerusalem is so vital to both the Israelis and Palestinians, visit The New York Times.

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Catherine Garcia has worked as a senior writer at The Week since 2014. Her writing and reporting have appeared in Entertainment Weekly, The New York Times, Wirecutter, NBC News and "The Book of Jezebel," among others. She's a graduate of the University of Redlands and the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.