Trump recognises Jerusalem as capital of Israel, shifting policy

Trump's declaration risks alienating Muslim allies assisting in US military operations in the region and sacrificing US credibility as an arbiter

President Donald Trump on Wednesday recognised Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and announced he would begin moving the US embassy there, despite warnings from world leaders across the globe that the move would undermine peace efforts and spark violence.

“It is time to officially recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel,” the president said in a statement from the Diplomatic Room at the White House.

Vice-President Mike Pence stood behind Trump as he spoke.

Recognising Jerusalem as Israel’s capital is provocative because the eastern sector of the city— home to some of the holiest ancient sites in Judaism, Christianity and Islam — is also