Jerusalem move Q&A
Capital issue
The status of Jerusalem has long been a sensitive issue in the IsraeliPalestinian conflict, and is considered disputed territory by many countries. Both Israelis and Palestinians claim Jerusalem as their capital, but neither is internationally recognised. In 1980, Israel passed a law declaring Jerusalem to be Israel’s “complete and united” capital, but the United Nations Security Council condemned this and passed a resolution that it would not recognise the law. Palestinians, meanwhile, see east Jerusalem, which Israel captured in 1967, as their capital and view Trump’s move as a decision to side with Israel.
Have any countries ever had their embassies in Jerusalem?
A number of countries used to have their embassies in Jerusalem, but this changed after the UN Security Council resolution in 1980. Costa Rica and El Salvador were the last to move their embassies out of the holy city in 2006.
Why has Trump decided to recognise Jerusalem as Israel’s capital?
The US President said he believed the decision to be “in America’s interests”, and marked a “new approach” to the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians. Trump said he was not delivering any verdict about where an IsraeliPalestinian border should lie, but said he was recognising the reality that most of Israel’s Government already operates from the city.
What has the international reaction been?
Leaders across the world have condemned Trump for recognising Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, over fears it could worsen tensions in the volatile Middle East. Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas said the decision by the US President was “a declaration of withdrawal from the role it has played in the peace process”. But Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed the decision, calling it an “important step towards peace”.
What will happen next?
Trump has already announced plans to move the US embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to the holy city. But in the short-term, there are fears that the decision could spark violent protests, with US personnel and their families ordered to avoid visiting Jerusalem’s Old City or the West Bank. —PA