Jerusalem as the Capital of Israel? What's Behind That?


The news that the Trump administration was recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel has been in the headlines for the last 48 hours.   Why is this a big story?   Should you care?   What is motivating this decision?   Here are two viewpoints on the issue.

ANALYSIS: Four theories behind Trump’s Jerusalem embassy move

Middle East Eye

NEW YORK, United States – US President Donald Trump’s expected announcement of plans to move the US embassy in Israel to Jerusalem has quickly whipped up a furore, with pundits and foreign leaders warning of intifada-style upheaval and the collapse of Israeli-Palestinian peace efforts.
Which begs the simple question: why announce the move? Trump has spoken of a desire to strike the “ultimate deal” between Israelis and Palestinians – relocating the embassy would likely render Washington unable to play an honest broker in future talks.  ....more

Ten Reasons for Recognizing Jerusalem as the Capital of Israel

Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs

Jerusalem has been the official capital of the State of Israel and the center of its government since 1950. Jerusalem is the seat of Israel’s President, Knesset, and Supreme Court, and the site of most government ministries and social and cultural institutions. Jerusalem is the ancient spiritual center of Judaism and is also considered a holy city by the members of other religious faiths. Israel protects the holy sites of all faiths.
In 1967, Jordan rejected warnings from Israel and opened an aggressive war against Israel by bombarding Jerusalem. In response and in self-defense, Israel captured east Jerusalem, then controlled by Jordan.....more

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