WASHINGTON, D.C. – Reportedly, President Donald Trump plans to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, potentially crossing a “red line” for Muslims amid calls for him to back of the idea.
The New York Times and other media today say that President Trump has promised Middle East leaders “he would recognize Jerusalem as the Israeli capital.” For decades, both Republican and Democratic Presidents have resisted this idea for fear of sparking war.
Democratic Senator Dianne Feinstein sent the following letter to President Trump today on the matter:
Feinstein
Dear Mr. President:I write today to urge you to reject calls to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. Doing so would spark violence, further alienate the United States and undermine the prospects of a two-state solution.
The future of Jerusalem is an issue that should be decided by Israel and the Palestinians, not unilaterally by the United States. Recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital—or relocating our embassy to Jerusalem—will spark violence and embolden extremists on both sides of this debate.
Recall that the Second Intifada, which killed thousands, was sparked by Ariel Sharon’s visit to the Temple Mount. This act was perceived by many Palestinians as an act of Israeli provocation and incursion on land they claimed as Palestinian.
For 50 years, Democratic and Republican presidents alike have chosen not to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital in order to remain impartial. If you break with this long tradition of bipartisan foreign policy, you’ll erode American credibility as an unbiased mediator, alienate us from our international partners—such as Jordan—and undermine any remaining hope for a two-state solution.
As you know, a two-state solution is the only viable path for Israel to remain both a democratic and Jewish state. Your decision could place such an agreement, which you have described as the “ultimate deal,” out of reach. I strongly encourage you to reject calls to change Jerusalem’s status so that the “ultimate deal” can remain within reach.
Breaking News: President Trump told Israeli and Arab leaders he would recognize Jerusalem as the Israeli capital, upending U.S. policy and risking unrest https://t.co/A4h4u0lF2h
