Theresa May to challenge Trump over 'unhelpful' decision to recognise Jerusalem as Israeli capital

Theresa May is reportedly planning to challenge Donald Trump over his divisive decision to recognise Jerusalem as the true capital of Israel.

MPs from across the political spectrum have claimed that Mr Trump risks igniting further violent conflict after recognising the city as the Israeli capital – despite the international community not recognising Israel’s sovereignty over the city.

Now, the Prime Minister has openly confirmed that she plans to ‘talk’ to Trump about the decision – which will also see the U.S. Israeli Embassy moving to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv.

‘We disagree with the U.S. decision to move its embassy to Jerusalem and recognise Jerusalem as the Israeli capital before a final status agreement’, the Prime Minister confirmed in a statement.

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‘We believe it is unhelpful in terms of prospects for peace in the region. The British Embassy to Israel is based in Tel Aviv and we have no plans to move it.

‘Our position on the status of Jerusalem has been clear and long-standing: it should be determined in negotiated settlement between the Israelis and the Palestinians, and Jerusalem should ultimately be the shared capital of the Israeli and Palestinian states.’

Mrs May added: ‘We share President Trump’s desire to bring an end to this conflict. We welcome his commitment today to a two-state solution negotiated by the parties, and note the importance of his clear acknowledgement that the final status of Jerusalem, including the sovereign boundaries within the city, must be subject to negotiations between the Israelis and the Palestinians.

‘We encourage the U.S. Administration to now bring forward detailed proposals for an Israeli-Palestinian settlement.’

Her disdain at the move was backed by opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn, who branded it a ‘reckless threat to peace’.

A view of the Western Wall and the Dome of the Rock, some of the holiest sites for for Jews and Muslims (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)

‘Trump’s recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, including occupied Palestinian territory, is a reckless threat to peace’, the Labour leader wrote on Twitter.
‘The British Government must condemn this dangerous act and work for a just and viable settlement of the conflict.’

The latest clash between Mr Trump and Theresa May comes only a week after the President attacked the Prime Minister on Twitter and urged her to tackle the ‘destructive Radical Islamic Terrorism that is taking place within the United Kingdom’ after she criticised him for retweeting far-right group Britain First.