World reacts to US Israel embassy relocation plan | News | Al Jazeera

US President Donald Trump is expected to recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel on Wednesday, and announce his plans to move the US embassy to the city. 

The US president on Tuesday called Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and other Arab leaders to inform them of his intentions.

He was warned by many in the Middle East and elsewhere of the "disastrous consequences" the move would have on regional stability and any prospect of a long-lasting peace agreement between the Israelis and Palestinians. 

No country currently has its embassy in Jerusalem, and the international community, including the US, does not recognise Israel's jurisdiction over and ownership of the city.

Echoing Abbas' comments, Jordan's King Abdullah II told Trump that such a decision would have "dangerous repercussions on the stability and security of the region", according to a statement released by the palace. 

"Jerusalem is the key to achieving peace and stability in the region and the world," the statement said, adding that an embassy move would inflame Muslim and Christian feelings.

In a statement, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi also cautioned Trump against "taking measures that would undermine the chances of peace in the Middle East".

Following a separate phone conversation with Trump, Saudi King Salman also told the US president "that any American announcement regarding the situation of Jerusalem prior to reaching a permanent settlement will harm peace talks and increase tensions in the area".

Earlier on Tuesday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan threatened to cut diplomatic ties with Israel, following reports that the US was considering recognising Jerusalem as Israel's capital, a move that would be symbolised by relocating the embassy to Jerusalem. 

"Jerusalem is a red line for Muslims," said Erdogan. "We implore the US once again: You cannot take this step."

Later in the day, Sigmar Gabriel, Germany's foreign minister, also warned that any US move to recognise Jerusalem "as the capital of Israel does not calm a conflict, rather it fuels it even more," and that such a move "would be a very dangerous development."

Gabriel said in Brussels that "it's in everyone's interest that this does not happen".

Federica Mogherini, the European Union's top diplomat, said "any action that would undermine" peace efforts to create two separate states for the Israelis and the Palestinians "must absolutely be avoided."

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has "consistently warned against any unilateral action that would have the potential to undermine the two-state solution", his spokesman, Stephane Dujarric, told reporters in New York. - Read More

World reacts to US Israel embassy relocation plan | News | Al Jazeera