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IPFS News Link • Trump Administration

Donald Trump's Recognition Of Jerusalem As The Capital Of Israel Will...

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This is one of the most historic things to happen in the Middle East in decades. 

Just a few days ago I reported that Donald Trump would recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel "in December", and now we are being told that Trump will make this announcement at 1 PM eastern time on Wednesday.  Administration officials are stressing that this move is a "recognition of reality", because of course the seat of the Israeli government has been in the holy city for a very long time.  But without a doubt this announcement will shake the Middle East to the core, because Israel's neighbors are extremely displeased that Trump is doing this.

According to the Jerusalem Post, President Trump phoned leaders all over the Middle East on Tuesday to inform them about what would happen on Wednesday…

US President Donald Trump called the leaders of Israel, the Palestinian Authority, Jordan and Egypt on Tuesday to inform them of his intention to move the US Embassy in Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, 22 years after the US Congress called on the White House to do just that.

What Trump didn't say, however, was when the move would take place, something that could provide some maneuvering room for him to try to tamp down Arab anger over the highly contentious step.

The recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel will be immediate, but the U.S. embassy will probably not be moved for six months.  The following comes from CNN

The President is expected to make a public announcement Wednesday declaring his decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and his intent to move the US embassy from Tel Aviv, diplomatic officials and a person familiar with the plans tell CNN. Trump is also expected to sign a waiver delaying the embassy move for six months, citing the logistical challenges of moving US personnel.

By not moving the embassy immediately, administration officials are hoping that this will pacify Israel's neighbors a little bit.

Unfortunately, that may not work.  One prominent Arab leader has already statedthat he believes that Trump is "a pyromaniac who could set the entire region on fire with his madness", and the Saudis are calling this "a flagrant provocation of Muslims"

In Riyadh, the Saudi Press Agency said that King Salman bin Abdul Aziz had received a call from Trump, as well, and that the two discussed the potential moves. Using the Arabic name for Jerusalem, the king "reiterated that such a dangerous step of relocation or recognition of Al-Quds as the capital of Israel would constitute a flagrant provocation of Muslims, all over the world," the agency said.

Once Trump's announcement is made, all eyes will be on the Palestinians, and Palestinian leaders have already planned for protests to begin on Wednesday

The Palestinian factions said protests will start on Wednesday and last until Friday at the very least. According to Palestinian leaders, marches against the decision are being backed by the Palestinian Authority.

Fatah Central Committee member Jamal Mahisan told Haaretz that Trump's decision was an inflammatory material that will inspire Palestinians to take to the streets in rage. "The Palestinian people know how to protect their rights and we are in consultations regarding [our moves] in the coming days."

The three days stretching from Wednesday to Friday are being called "three days of rage", and it is very likely that we will see widespread violence.  The following comes from the Jerusalem Post

In a joint statement, the Palestinian "national and Islamic forces" announced three days of rage that would begin Wednesday and end on Friday. "We call on all our people in Israel and around the world to gather in city centers and Israeli embassies and consulates, with the aim of bringing about general popular anger," the statement said.

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