Defiant Trump confirms US will recognise Jerusalem as capital of Israel NOW

Jerusalem city

Donald Trump has defied overwhelming global opposition by declaring US recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of 

Israel, 

but insisted that the highly controversial move would not derail his own administration’s bid to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In remarks delivered in the diplomatic reception room of the White House, Trump called his decision “a long overdue” step to advance the peace process.

“I have determined that it is time to officially recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel,” Trump said. “While previous presidents have made this a major campaign promise, they failed to deliver. Today, I am delivering.” Trump said: “My announcement today marks the beginning of a new approach to the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians. “I’ve judged this course of action to be in the best interests of the United States of America and the pursuit of peace between Israel and the Palestinians.”

Trump

The announcement broke with years of precedent, but Trump said that the US remained committed to a two-state solution, and insisted that he was not dictating how much of Jerusalem should constitute Israel’s capital – leaving open the possibility that East Jerusalem would be the capital of a future Palestinian state. “The United States remains deeply committed to helping facilitate a peace agreement that is acceptable to both sides. I intend to do everything in my power to help forge such an agreement.”