On Dec. 6, President Trump declared Jerusalem the capital of Israel. He also ordered the US Embassy in Israel to move from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.
The New York Times reports, “President Trump on Wednesday formally recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, reversing nearly seven decades of American foreign policy and setting in motion a plan to move the United States Embassy from Tel Aviv to the fiercely contested Holy City.”
The move is controversial. Palestinians believe the Eastern part of the city should be under their control. Many believe the move of the US Embassy and the capital to Jerusalem will hinder peace processes in the region.
Per WND, “AFP reported through Twitter that Hamas released a statement saying Trump’s decision would ‘open the gates of hell.’”
President Trump reassured those who believed his declaration will hinder the peace process that he will still work on creating peace.
Today reported, “He (President Trump) stressed Wednesday that recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital in no way negates his ‘strong commitment to facilitate a lasting peace agreement.’”
Not only did President Trump receive criticism from other nations, but he also received criticism from those who are on the left.
The New York Times explains, “At least one former Obama administration official also weighed in with sharp criticism. John O. Brennan, the former director of the Central Intelligence Agency, said in a statement that Mr. Trump’s action was ‘reckless’ and would ‘damage U.S. interests in the Middle East for years to come and will make the region more volatile.’”
In 1995, Congress passed the Jerusalem Embassy Act, which recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and ordered for the U.S. Embassy to move. The past three presidents ran on the campaign of making Jerusalem the capital of Israel, but each one of them failed to live up to their promises. They all signed a waiver putting the law into effect.
Per New York Times, “Though he did not mention it, Mr. Trump signed the same national security waiver signed by his predecessors, from Barack Obama to George W. Bush to Bill Clinton, which will allow the administration to keep the embassy in Tel Aviv for an additional six months. White House officials said that was unavoidable because it would take several years to move the embassy staff to a new facility in Jerusalem.”
Operation Mobilization shares the love of Christ with the people of Israel through various ministries including sports programs.
Pray for Jerusalem to see peace and for a solution to the conflict between the Palestinians and Arabs.
Pray for Operation Mobilization as they minister to the people of Israel, that many would come to know Jesus.
Today Online: Jerusalem move could doom US-Middle East peace efforts
WND: Trump: ‘Jerusalem is Israel’s Capital’
New York Times: Trump Recognizes Jerusalem as Israel’s Capital and orders U.S. Embassy to Move
