Trump declares Jerusalem capital of Israel

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump shattered decades of unwavering U.S. neutrality on Jerusalem Wednesday, declaring the sorely divided holy city as Israel’s capital and sparking frustrated Palestinians to cry out that he had destroyed already-fragile Mideast hopes for peace.

Defying dire, worldwide warnings, Trump said his decision was merely based on reality to recognize Jerusalem as the seat of Israel’s government. He also said the United States would move its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, though he set no timetable.

Harsh objections came from a wide array of presidents and prime ministers. From the Middle East to Europe and beyond, leaders cautioned Trump that any sudden change on an issue as sensitive as Jerusalem not only risks blowing up the new ArabIsraeli peace initiative led by Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, but could lead to new violence in the region.

No government beyond Israel spoke up in praise of Trump or suggested it would follow his lead.

Those encouraging Trump to take the position included Vice President Mike Pence and Republican megadonor Sheldon Adelson.

According to two advisers familiar with Trump’s thinking, the president was drawn to the idea of breaking with presidential precedent and issuing an order that both his predecessor Barack Obama and previous Republican presidents were reluctant to make.

Muslims across the Middle East warned Wednesday of disastrous consequences, but in a region more divided than ever, many asked what leaders can do beyond the vehement rhetoric.

Arab powerhouses are mired in their own internal troubles, their populations tired of wars, and the days when Arab leaders could challenge the United States in a meaningful way are long gone.

Beyond the eruption of protests and potential explosion of violence, there is little the Arab world can do.

Alex Brandon / Associated Press President Donald Trump speaks in the Diplomatic Reception Room of the White House Wednesday in Washington. Trump recognized Jerusalem as Israel's capital despite intense Arab, Muslim and European opposition to a move that would upend decades of U.S....