US asks Israel to moderate response to Trump’s Jerusalem announcement

Fearing Muslim violence, the State Department has asked Jerusalem to minimize its celebrations following Trump’s recognition of Jerusalem as its capital. 

By: World Israel News Staff

The US has asked Israel to tone down its celebrations in response to the US recognition of Jerusalem as its capital in case of a violent Muslim reaction against American facilities and diplomats, Reuters reported on Wednesday.

The report is based on a State Department document asking Israel to “restrain” its “official response.”

“We expect there to be resistance to this news in the Middle East and around the world. We are still judging the impact this decision will have on US facilities and personnel overseas,” the document said.

The Palestinians, as well as Muslims around the world, have threatened a violent backlash to Trump’s statement.

Israeli officials responded to President Donald Trump’s historic announcement with warm statements, but other than Jerusalem’s Old City walls being lit with the US and Israeli flags, no special events were held.

The document also addressed US diplomats in major cities, advising them to stress that Trump’s decision does not influence the“final status” of Jerusalem, an issue that needs to be agreed upon by both sides during Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiations.

“You know that this is a unique Administration. It makes bold moves. But it is bold moves that are going to be needed if peace efforts are finally going to be successful,” the document read, according to Reuters.