The Interpreter NewsletterUnderstand the world with sharp insight and commentary on the major
news stories of the week. Sign UpSEE SAMPLE PRIVACY POLICY OPT OUT OR CONTACT US ANYTIMEJerusalem is today and must remain a place where Jews pray at the
Western Wall, where Christians walk the stations of the cross, and where
Muslims worship at Al Aqsa Mosque. However, through all of these years,
presidents representing the United States have declined to officially recognize
Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. In fact, we have declined to acknowledge any
Israeli capital at all. But today we finally acknowledge the obvious. That Jerusalem is
Israel’s capital. This is nothing more or less than a recognition of reality.
It is also the right thing to do. It’s something that has to be done. That is why consistent with the Jerusalem embassy act, I am also
directing the State Department to begin preparation to move the American
embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. This will immediately begin the process of
hiring architects, engineers and planners so that a new embassy, when
completed, will be a magnificent tribute to peace. In making these announcements, I also want to make one point very
clear. This decision is not intended in any way to reflect a departure from our
strong commitment to facilitate a lasting peace agreement. We want an agreement that is a great deal for the Israelis and a great
deal for the Palestinians. We are not taking a position of any final status
issues including the specific boundaries of the Israeli sovereignty in
Jerusalem or the resolution of contested borders. Those questions are up to the
parties involved. 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. Without question, Jerusalem is one of the most sensitive issues in
those talks. The United States would support a two-state solution if agreed to
by both sides. In the meantime, I call on all parties to maintain the status quo
at Jerusalem’s holy sites including the Temple Mount, also known as Haram
al-Sharif. Above all, our greatest hope is for peace. The universal yearning in
every human soul. With today’s action, I reaffirm my administration’s longstanding
commitment to a future of peace and security for the region. There will, of
course, be disagreement and dissent regarding this announcement. But we are
confident that ultimately, as we work through these disagreements, we will
arrive at a peace and a place far greater in understanding and cooperation.
This sacred city should call forth the best in humanity. Lifting our sights to what is possible, not pulling us back and down to
the old fights that have become so totally predictable. Peace is never beyond the grasp of those willing to reach it. So today we call for calm, for moderation, and for the voices of
tolerance to prevail over the purveyors of hate. Our children should inherit
our love, not our conflicts. I repeat the message I delivered at the historic
and extraordinary summit in Saudi Arabia earlier this year: The Middle East is
a region rich with culture, spirit, and history. Its people are brilliant,
proud and diverse. Vibrant and strong. But the incredible future awaiting this region is held at bay by
bloodshed, ignorance and terror. Vice President Pence will travel to the region in the coming days to
reaffirm our commitment to work with partners throughout the Middle East to
defeat radicalism that threatens the hopes and dreams of future generations. It is time for the many who desire peace to expel the extremists from
their midsts. It is time for all civilized nations and people to respond to
disagreement with reasoned debate, not violence. And it is time for young and
moderate voices all across the Middle East to claim for themselves a bright and
beautiful future. So today, let us rededicate ourselves to a path of mutual understanding
and respect. Let us rethink old assumptions and open our hearts and minds to
possible and possibilities. And finally, I ask the leaders of the region political and religious,
Israeli and Palestinian, Jewish and Christian and Muslim to join us in the
noble quest for lasting peace. Thank you. God bless you. God bless Israel. God bless the Palestinians
and God bless the United States. Thank you very much. Thank you.
