Trump administration in 'beginning stages' of discussing Israel embassy move

The Trump administration is in the "beginning stages" of discussing relocating the US embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, the White House said Sunday.

According to White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer the administration is "at the very beginning stages of even discussing" the subject.

During his presidential campaign, Trump promised to move the embassy and to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's "undivided" capital.

As Trump's inauguration drew closer speculation began swirling about if and how quickly the President would make the move. The White House statement suggests that the move may not be immediate.

The status of Jerusalem is a flashpoint issue in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The Palestinians claim East Jerusalem as the capital of their future state, while Israel has declared the entire city as its capital. Many believe that the relocation of the embassy could sink the peace process and inflame tensions.

Some Israeli officials chose to receive the White House statement with optimism.
 [i24news.tv]
22/1/17