US President Donald Trump confirmed on Tuesday his plans to move the US embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, a step that drove Arab and international anger and several warnings from its repercussions.
The issue of the US embassy in Jerusalem was also discussed during a phone conversation between the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Trump.
During the phone call made by Trump, the King stressed that any US declaration on the status of Quds before reaching a final settlement, would harm peace negotiation process and escalate tension in the region, adding that the Kingdom was and is still committed to support the Palestinian people and their historical rights.
Trump also telephoned Jordanian King Abdullah II, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Egyptian President Abdel-Fatah el-Sisi, who all warned him from the dangerous repercussions of moving the location of the embassy.
Sarah Huckabee Sanders, the Press Secretary of the Trump administration, said on Tuesday night that the President “is pretty solid in his thinking at this point.”
Sanders said that Trump would deliver remarks regarding his decision on Jerusalem on Wednesday, adding that the President reiterated his commitment to achieve advancement in the peace operation.
Trump’s decision regarding moving the US embassy to Jerusalem was met by warnings from French President Emmanuel Macron and the European Union.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan threatened to cut off diplomatic relations with Israel if Washington recognizes Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.
“This could go as far as cutting our diplomatic relations with Israel. You cannot take such a step,” Erdogan told a parliamentary group meeting of his ruling Justice and Development Party.
He added that Jerusalem is a red line for Muslims and that Ankara would take necessary measures in the event of the US possible move.
