Before Donald Trump won the presidency on Tuesday night, he campaigned on a promise to officially name Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and said he would order the relocation of the U.S. embassy in Tel Aviv to the Holy City.
Now that Trump's victory is secure, pressure is already building for those promises to be fulfilled.
Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat cheered “Mazel tov, Mr. President!” to the winning candidate and then reminded Trump that he had promised to move the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Israel’s declared capital, Jerusalem. The United States does not recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, awaiting instead a final negotiated settlement between Israel and the Palestinians.
Deputy Foreign Minister Tzipi Hotovely — Israel’s top diplomat — chimed in that she wanted Trump to fulfill his campaign vow to recognize Jerusalem. “That would be an important historic move,” she said.
“This will symbolize the close relationship and courageous friendship between the two nations,” said Israeli Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked.
The leader of Israel’s Jewish Home party, Education Minister Naftali Bennett, called Trump’s win “a tremendous opportunity for Israel to immediately announce its intention to renege on the idea of establishing Palestine in the heart of the country — a direct blow to our security and the justice of our cause.”
Yesterday Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu congratulated President-elect Donald Trump on his victory, calling him a great friend of the Jewish state.
"President-elect Trump, my friend, congratulations on being elected President of the United States of America. You are a great friend of Israel," Netanyahu said "The bond between the US and Israel is based on shared values, shared interests and a shared future. I am sure that President-elect Trump and I will continue to strengthen the special alliance between Israel and the US and we will bring them to new heights."
In return, Trump invited Netanyahu to visit the United States for a meeting. The two met at Trump Tower earlier this year.
NEW: President-elect Donald Trump invited Israeli PM Netanyahu to meet him in the U.S. at his earliest convenience, Netanyahu’s office says.
— ABC News (@ABC) November 9, 2016
Join the conversation as a VIP Member