The U.S. is formally declaring the holy city of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. President Trump made the announcement at the White House. The President is also ordering the State Department to start making plans to move the U.S. embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. That could take several years.
The President said the declaration is a recognition of reality and is long overdue. He called his effort a new approach to seeking Middle East peace. Trump said he promised to bring very fresh thinking to the presidency.
Trump's declaration faces stiff opposition from Muslims and may heighten tensions in the volatile Middle East. Some key U.S. allies have warned that the declaration could also derail peace efforts. Despite those warnings, Trump said the U.S. remains committed to a lasting peace agreement between the Israelis and Palestinians.
Israel has long-considered Jerusalem to be its capital, while Palestinians see East Jerusalem as the capital of their future state.
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