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Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has reacted to President Donald Trump’s announcement that the US now recognises Jerusalem as capital of Israel.
Speaking shortly after the announcement, the Prime Minister said: “This decision reflects the president’s commitment to an ancient but enduring truth, to fulfilling his promises and to advancing peace.
“The president’s decision is an important step towards peace, for there is no peace that doesn’t include Jerusalem as the capital of the State of Israel.
“I share President Trump’s commitment to advancing peace between Israel and all of our neighbours, including the Palestinians… I call on all countries that seek peace to join the United States in recognising Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and to move their embassies here.
“I also want to make clear: there will be no change whatsoever to the status quo at the holy sites… Israel will always ensure freedom of worship for Jews, Christians, and Muslims alike. President Trump, thank you for today’s historic decision to recognise Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.”
Israeli UN Ambassador Danny Danon enjoined other nations to follow Trump’s lead.
He said in a statement: “We welcome this courageous decision by President Trump.
“In 1948, President Truman was the first world leader to recognise the State of Israel and today President Trump righted an historic wrong by recognising Jerusalem as our capital.
“Now is the time for all UN member states to follow the lead of our American friends and recognise our ancient capital of Jerusalem as the capital of the State of Israel.”