Fulfilling one of his campaign promises, President Trump is reportedly set to officially recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and prepare to move the U.S. Embassy to the city.
USA Today reports senior administration officials told reporters about the plan to move the embassy and recognize Jerusalem on Tuesday. The Guardian reports the White House said the official process of moving the embassy could take more than three years.
The Guardian also claims government employees were told to avoid Jerusalem and the West Bank “until further notice,” which could be due to the prospects of violence by Palestinians after Trump officially announces the move.
CNN states “US Arab allies” warned Trump the move could be dangerous. The recognition of Jerusalem has been condemned by Syria, Egypt, Jordan, and Turkey. Saudi Arabia, and France. Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas has reportedly even asked the pope to “intervene” to stop the embassy move.
Pope Francis has also condemned the embassy move.
Critics of the recognition of Jerusalem claim it would endanger the Israeli-Palestinian peace process, as Palestinians want to claim East Jerusalem as their capital. Palestinians have already staged protests in response to the news.
Trump plans on making the official announcement of the United States’ intent to move the embassy on Wednesday.