Donald Trump has declared he wants to attend the opening of the new US embassy in Jerusalem as he embraced troubled Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House yesterday.
Mr Netanhayu’s visit comes amid escalating corruption scandals but the US President made no mention of his friend’s problems. “We have probably the best relationship right now with Israel that we’ve ever had,” he said.
Mr Trump was proud of his decision to move the US embassy to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv to recognise the city as Israel’s capital.
“Jerusalem was a wonderful thing and I know it was very much appreciated in a big part of the world, not just in Israel,” he said. “Many presidents … were never able to do what they should have done … So I was able to do it.”
The decision was criticised by Arab countries and Palestinians, who broke off peace talks. The Palestinians say the recognition shows an Israeli bias by the US in negotiations over the city.
Mr Trump said he would like to attend the opening of the embassy in Jerusalem in May. “We’re looking at coming,” he said. “If I can, I will.”
Read the full article written by Cameron Stewart & Rosie Lewis at The Australian.