Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) released the following statement on the decision by President Trump to change long-standing United States policy and recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel:

“I’m deeply concerned by President Trump’s decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and move the United States embassy. This move will undermine the credibility of the United States as a neutral peace broker and make the peaceful path to a two state solution more difficult. Both Republican and Democratic Administrations have recognized the importance of allowing the boundaries of Jerusalem to be negotiated by Israel and Palestine. I worry this decision will threaten Israeli security and lead to violence that will cost both Israeli and Palestinian lives. There are no easy answers in how best to achieve peace in the Middle East but politically motivated decisions like this will only serve to raise tensions and make the path to peace more challenging.”

It has been US policy for nearly 50 years to keep its embassy in Tel Aviv rather than Jerusalem. All countries with official relations with Israel have their embassies in Tel Aviv or its suburbs.

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