Jerusalem plan sparks protests

President Donald Trump on Wednesday announced a radical departure from Mideast policy by declaring the United States’ recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

Despite dire warnings from Arab and European leaders and the risk of anti-American protests and violence, Trump declared that he was ending an approach that for decades has failed to advance the prospects for peace. His memo also orders that the U.S. embassy be moved from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

He also for the first time endorsed a two-state solution for Israel and the Palestinians, provided both sides agree to it.

Following his announcement, violent riots escalated in the West Bank and Gaza. As of Saturday, at least four Palestinians had been killed in Israeli airstrikes.

From online and wire reports

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Nasser Nasser / Associated Press

Saul Loeb / AFP / Getty Images President Donald Trump holds up a signed memorandum on Wednesday after he recognized the disputed city of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital — a historic decision that overturns decades of U.S. policy and triggered a fresh spasm of violence in the Middle...