Jerusalem, the capital of Israel, is expected to be recognized today by US President Donald Trump, overturning decades of US policy on the Middle East.
The decision of the American President is expected to be announced in a speech to be addressed at 13:00 (20:00 Cyprus time) by the White House, despite the fact that the recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel is a casus belli for the Palestinian leaders.
"On December 6, 2017, President Trump will recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel," a US government official said on condition of anonymity, referring to the "recognition of a reality" both historical and modern.
It will also instruct the State Department to begin preparations for the relocation of the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. However, he will not set a timetable, as the process is expected to take "years", as it will be necessary to find the appropriate location, funding for the project and to build the facilities, according to the official.
"The president is fulfilling a central commitment of his campaign, a promise made by many presidential candidates," he said.
He stressed that the delay in recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel for the past two decades "did not contribute to anything" in terms of efforts to "reach a peace agreement."
During a telephone conversation, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas warned Trump of the "dangerous consequences that such a decision would have on the peace process, security and stability in the region and in the world."
King Salman of Saudi Arabia warned Washington that such a decision could provoke "Muslim outrage" and called it a "dangerous step".
"Mr. Trump, Jerusalem is a red line for Muslims," warned Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who holds the presidency of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and added that he would convene an emergency meeting of 57 of the 5 member states. days ”if Washington recognizes Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.
Jordan, which chairs the Conference of Islamic States, convened an emergency meeting last weekend to warn of a decision that would have "very serious consequences" and the risk of "escalating" tensions.
The State Department has already imposed restrictions on the movement of US diplomats in Jerusalem and has warned all US diplomatic missions in the region that there is a possibility of unrest and anti-US demonstrations, while it has decided to implement emergency security measures.