Trump says Jerusalem policy shift is ‘long overdue’
WASHINGTON, United States (AFP) — Hours before a momentous announcement recognising Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, US President Donald Trump said the move was “long overdue”.
“Many presidents have said they want to do something and they didn’t do it. Whether it’s [lack of] courage or they changed their mind, I can’t tell you,” Trump said, portraying himself as daring to fulfill a promise that previous presidents have shied away from.
“I think it’s long overdue,” he said.
Trump is expected to upend decades of US policy later today by stating that the holy city — part of which is claimed by Palestinians — rightfully belongs to Israel.
The announcement has been preceded by warnings of a violent response in the Muslim world and demonstrators in the Gaza Strip burning American flags.
