PM Netanyahu's Response to President Donald Trump's Statement
06/12/2017
This is a historic day.
It's been the capital of Israel for nearly 70 years. Jerusalem has been the focus of our hopes, our dreams, our prayers
for three millennia.Jerusalem has been the capital of the Jewish people for 3,000 years.
It was here that our temples stood, our kings ruled, our prophets preached.
From every corner of the earth, our people yearned to return to Jerusalem, to touch its golden stones, to walk its
hallowed streets.So it's rare to be able to speak of new and genuine milestones in the glorious history of this city.
Yet today's pronouncement by President Trump is such an occasion.
We're profoundly grateful for the President for his courageous and just decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital
of Israel and to prepare for the opening of the US embassy here. This decision reflects the President's commitment to an
ancient but enduring truth, to fulfilling his promises and to advancing peace.
The President's decision is an important step towards peace, for there is no peace that doesn't include Jerusalem as the
capital of the State of Israel.
I share President Trump's commitment to advancing peace between Israel and all of our neighbors, including the
Palestinians. And we will continue to work with the President and his team to make that dream of peace come true.I call
on all countries that seek peace to join the United States in recognizing Jerusalem as Israel's capital and to move
their embassies here.
I also want to make clear: there will be no change whatsoever to the status quo at the holy sites.The Jewish people and
the Jewish state will be forever grateful.This has been our goal from Israel's first day.
Israel will always ensure freedom of worship for Jews, Christians, and Muslims alike.President Trump, thank you for
today's historic decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital.