Erdogan warns Trump against recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan 24) – Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has warned against US President Donald Trump’s expected shift in ties with Israel, which could see Jerusalem officially recognized as the capital of the country.

“We could go as far as cutting diplomatic ties with Israel over the issue,” Erdogan said, warning the move would cross a “red-line” for Muslims.

Several countries and organizations, including France, the European Union (EU), Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and the Arab League have also voiced their concerns.

All nations, including the US, have their embassies located in the city of Tel Aviv, not Jerusalem.

In a phone call with Trump on Monday, French President Emmanuel Macron expressed concern that the US may “unilaterally recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.”

The EU also warned of “serious repercussions on public opinion in large parts of the world.”

Meanwhile, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said that “such a US decision would destroy the peace process.”

The recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital would be a major reversal to previous presidential policy. The 1995 Jerusalem Embassy Act requires the shift of the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

Since 1995, all previous US presidents have signed a six-month waiver to the act. Trump missed the deadline for the waiver on Friday, and no action was taken on Monday. Trump last signed the waiver in June.

A senior US official cited by Reuters said Trump would likely make the announcement on Wednesday. Such a move has some US State Department officials deeply concerned.

Editing by Karzan Sulaivany