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US embassies enhance security ahead of US recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital

The State Department has issued a warning to American embassies to enhance security ahead of a possible announcement by Trump that the US recognizes Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

By: World Israel News Staff

The US State Department has issued a warning to American embassies worldwide to enhance security ahead of a possible announcement Wednesday by President Donald Trump that the US recognizes Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, Politico reported Monday.

The warning reflects concern that such an announcement could provoke fury in the Arab world, including mass protests and terrorism.

The Organization for Islamic Cooperation issued a statement on Monday condemning an anticipated announcement by the president, saying its 57 member states should sever ties with any country that transfers its embassy to Jerusalem or recognizes Israel’s sovereignty over the city.

Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas’s Fatah party called for mass protests “to confront this aggression not only against the Palestinians, but against Muslims and Christians all over the world.”

The Hamas terror group on Saturday called to renew the “Jerusalem Intifada.”

“The impending Jerusalem announcement has me very worried about the possibility of violent responses that could affect embassies,” one State Department official told Politico. “I hope I’m wrong.”

Trump is expected to make an announcement on the issue during a speech at the National Defense University on Wednesday.

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White House Deputy Press Secretary Hogan Gidley state Monday that “it’s not a matter of if, but a matter of when” the US will move it embassy form Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

“No action, though, will be taken on the waiver today, and we will share a decision on the waiver in coming days,” he stated.

Trump had promised to move the US embassy to Jerusalem during his election campaign.

AP contributed to this report.