Wednesday, the president, in a historic move, officially recognized Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. The president said, in remarks reported by ABC News, “My announcement today marks the beginning of a new approach to conflict between Israel and the Palestinians.” He went on to say it was a “long overdue step to advance the peace process….While previous presidents have made this a major campaign promise, they failed to deliver,” he added. “Today, I am delivering.” He later continued, “Jerusalem is not just the heart of three great religions, but it is now also the heart of one of the most successful democracies in the world. Over the past seven decades, the Israeli people have built a country where Jews, Muslims, Christians, and people of all faiths are free to live and worship according to their conscience and beliefs.”

The process of building a new embassy will take years. Until the new embassy is open, the president will sign a waiver keeping the embassy in Tel Aviv. Leaders around the world condemned the president’s announcement, including the Pope. With Wednesday’s announcement, a question comes to mind. Did the president make the right decision in recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital?

Time showing President Trump’s remarks on recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital:

The Issue

Did the president make the right decision in recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital? Did the president show great leadership with this decision? Or, was this an irrational move that will lead to chaos?

Page 2: Arguments for the president’s decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital

