Why is the U.S. moving its embassy to Jerusalem?
The Reuters article "Why is the U.S. moving its embassy to Jerusalem?" delves into the United States' controversial decision to open its new embassy in Jerusalem on May 14, 2018, coinciding with Israel's 70th anniversary. This move, initiated by President Donald Trump, marked a significant departure from decades of U.S. policy and was influenced by pressure from pro-Israel politicians in Washington and Trump's evangelical Christian supporters. Jerusalem's complex history, sacredness to three major religions, and central role in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict make the city a highly contentious issue. While Israel celebrates Jerusalem as its "eternal and indivisible" capital, this is not internationally recognized, and Palestinians assert East Jerusalem should be the capital of a future Palestinian state.
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Following the U.S. move, Guatemala announced plans to move its embassy to Jerusalem. Several other countries were reportedly considering following suit. However, in a U.N. General Assembly resolution, 128 countries voted against the U.S. recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, highlighting widespread international opposition to the move
Defense
President Trump's decision was influenced by long-standing pressure from pro-Israel politicians in Washington and was a key promise of his 2016 election campaign. The decision resonated with many of Trump's conservative and evangelical Christian supporters. Trump acted under a 1995 law requiring the U.S. to move its embassy to Jerusalem, a law which previous presidents had waived
Defense
Trump's announcement led to Palestinian protests and heightened political tensions. Arab leaders warned that the decision could disrupt the Israeli-Palestinian peace process. The subsequent violence in response to the embassy move did not escalate to the level of previous intifadas but highlighted the ongoing volatility surrounding issues of sovereignty and religion in Jerusalem
Defense