Breaking Convention, United States Might Recognise Jerusalem As Israel’s Capital As Early As Next Week

In what could drastically change how the United States and the rest of the world deals with the Middle East, US President Donald Trump is likely to deliver a speech recognising Jerusalem as Israel's capital, said a senior government official.

Officials said that even as Trump was deliberating on making the announcement, he might delay his campaign promise to move the US Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

Internationally, Jerusalem – home to the holiest sites in Judaism, Christianity and Islam – is not recognised as the capital of Israel. Countries that have diplomatic missions in the Jewish state have them in Tel Aviv.

The move, defying conventions, is likely to anger Palestinians who want the eastern section of the holy city as their capital. It could also hinder the Trump administrations efforts to restart peace negotiations between Israel and Palestine, which are currently led by Trump’s son-in-law and senior adviser Jared Kushner.

However, the move would certainly bring joy to the pro-Israel right-wing electorate that voted en masse for Trump and would auger well for US-Israeli diplomacy. Israel has been for long considered among the US’ closest allies.

Also Read: The Self-Nourishing Status Quo: Why There Cannot Be A Palestinian State