December 6, 2017
U.S. President Donald Trump officially recognizes Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, announcing plans to move the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.
Washington D.C., United States | United States Government
On December 6, 2017, U.S. President Donald Trump made a landmark announcement recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. This decision marked a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy, as previous administrations had maintained a stance of neutrality regarding Jerusalem’s status, given its contentious position in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Historical Significance of Jerusalem: Jerusalem holds profound religious and historical significance for Jews, Christians, and Muslims. Since the establishment of Israel in 1948, the city has been a focal point of conflict. Israel considers Jerusalem its “eternal and indivisible” capital, while Palestinians claim East Jerusalem as the capital of a future Palestinian state.
U.S. Policy Pre-2017: Prior to Trump’s announcement, the U.S. and most other countries maintained their embassies in Tel Aviv, adhering to a policy of not recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital until a negotiated peace agreement was reached.
The Jerusalem Embassy Act of 1995: This U.S. law called for the relocation of the American embassy to Jerusalem but allowed presidents to issue waivers every six months to delay the move for national security reasons. Successive presidents had done so until Trump’s decision.
Details of the Announcement: In a speech at the White House, President Trump stated that recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital was “a long overdue step to advance the peace process.” He also announced plans to move the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, directing the State Department to begin preparations for the relocation.
Rationale: Trump argued that acknowledging the reality of Jerusalem as the seat of Israel’s government was necessary for peace efforts. He emphasized that the U.S. was not taking a position on any final status issues, including the specific boundaries of Israeli sovereignty in Jerusalem.
International Response: The announcement was met with widespread international criticism. Key U.S. allies in Europe and the Middle East expressed concern that the decision could destabilize the region and hinder peace efforts. The United Nations General Assembly later passed a resolution condemning the U.S. recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.
Regional Impact: The decision sparked protests and violence in the Palestinian territories and across the Arab world. Palestinian leaders declared that the U.S. could no longer serve as a mediator in peace negotiations.
Diplomatic Developments: Despite the backlash, the U.S. Embassy officially opened in Jerusalem on May 14, 2018, coinciding with the 70th anniversary of Israel’s founding. This move was celebrated by Israel but continued to be a point of contention in international diplomacy.
Impact on U.S.-Middle East Relations: The decision underscored a realignment of U.S. policy in the Middle East, reflecting a closer alignment with Israeli positions. It also highlighted the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the challenges in achieving a lasting peace agreement.
Legacy: The recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital remains a controversial and pivotal moment in U.S. foreign policy, influencing subsequent diplomatic engagements and shaping the geopolitical landscape of the region.
In summary, President Trump’s recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel was a significant departure from previous U.S. policy, with far-reaching implications for international relations and the Middle East peace process.
Source: www.nytimes.com