U.S. recognizes Jerusalem as Israel's capital, world reacts strongly

U.S. President Donald Trump has recognized Jerusalem as Israel's capital despite intense Arab, Muslim and European opposition to a move that would upend decades of U.S. policy and risk potentially violent protests.

"I have determined that it is time to officially recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, " Trump said, speaking in the White House's Diplomatic Room.

Trump will instruct the State Department to begin the multiyear process of moving the American embassy from Tel Aviv to the holy city, U.S. officials said Tuesday.

It remains unclear, however, when he might take that physical step, which is required by U.S. law but has been waived on national security grounds for more than two decades.

Global Reactions

Israel

Israel’s prime minister calls it a “historic day” — following President Donald Trump’s recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.

Benjamin Netanyahu says in a statement that Israel is “profoundly grateful” and that Trump’s announcement is an “important step toward peace.”

The Israeli leader says his country “will continue to work with the president and his team to make that dream of peace come true.′

Palestine

An adviser to Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas says President Donald Trump’s announcement on Jerusalem has “isolated the U.S. from any role in the peace process.”

U.N.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is speaking out against what he says are “unilateral measures” that jeopardize the prospect for peace for Israelis and Palestinians.

Guterres tells reporters that “in this moment of great anxiety, I want to make it clear: there is no alternative to the two-state solution. There is no Plan B.”

The U.N. chief never mentioned Trump’s decision in his remarks.

Guterres says he’ll do “everything in my power” to promote the return to negotiations by Israeli and Palestinian leaders “and to realize this vision of a lasting peace for both people.”

France

France’s leader says President Donald Trump’s recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital is “a regrettable decision that France does not approve.”

Emmanuel Macron says Trump’s decision “contravenes international law and U.N. Security Council resolutions.”

Macron also says the status of Jerusalem “will have to be determined by Israelis and Palestinians in negotiations under the auspices of the United Nations.”

Malaysia

he Malaysian government on Thursday expressed "extreme concern" and urged the United States to reconsider its decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital.

Malaysia's Foreign Ministry said in a statement that the country is "extremely concerned" over the U.S. announcement, saying that the decision would "put to an end all efforts made towards a resolution of Palestinian question."

"It would have grave repercussions not only towards the security and stability of the region, but would inflame sentiments, making efforts to combat terrorism all the more difficult," said the statement.

Qatar

Qatar on Wednesday warned of "dangerous repercussions" of a U.S. decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital.

During a regular cabinet meeting held on Wednesday evening, Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani said the U.S. move could contradict with international law and legitimacy, in addition to all the peace efforts based on a two-state solution.

Sheikh Abdullah said the Qatari cabinet called on the U.S. administration not to take the step on Jerusalem, and put pressure on the Israeli government.

The cabinet also reaffirmed Qatar's efforts to support the Palestinian people's rights of establishing an independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

(AP)