Free Republic

Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat has announced plans to rename a square near the new U.S. embassy site in the city in honor of President Donald Trump. In a statement Tuesday, Barkat’s office announced that the square adjacent to the new embassy will be renamed United States Square "in honor of President Donald Trump."

The Turkish government has warned the US that it could spark a “major catastrophe” if President Trump follows through on his 2016 campaign promise to relocate the US embassy in Israel to Jerusalem. The warning was made Monday during a press conference held by Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Bekir Bozdag. During the televised statement, Bozdag warned the US against either relocating its embassy or even recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, claiming that any change in the status quo could cause a “catastrophe”. "If the status of Jerusalem is changed and another step is taken... that would be a major catastrophe.”...

The Palestinian president on Sunday warned that American recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital would jeopardize the White House’s nascent Mideast peace efforts. President Mahmoud Abbas’ comments came amid a diplomatic push by the Palestinian leader to rally international support against the possible American move later this week. […] American officials say that President Donald Trump may recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital this week as a way to offset his likely decision to delay his campaign promise of moving the U.S. Embassy there. Israel regards Jerusalem as its capital, with most government functions, including the prime minister’s office, Supreme Court...

White House: The White House press secretary, Jay Carney, did not say that Tel Aviv was the capital. But he also would not say it was not, in this semi-comical exchange with reporters: First Reporter: What city does this Administration consider to be the capital of Israel? Jerusalem or Tel Aviv? Carney: Um . . . I haven’t had that question in a while. Our position has not changed. Can we, uh . . . First Reporter: What is the capital? Carney: You know our position. First Reporter: I don’t. Second Reporter: No, no. She doesn’t know, that’s why she...