Netanyahu Thanks Trump: 'The Jewish People and the Jewish State Will Be Forever Grateful'

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu today thanked President Trump for his decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, saying the “Jewish people and the Jewish state will be forever grateful.”

“Thank you President Trump for today’s historic decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital,” Netanyahu said. “Jerusalem has been the capital of the Jewish people for 3,000 years. It’s been the capital of Israel for nearly 70 years.”

“Jerusalem has been the focus of our hopes, our dreams, our prayers for three millennia. From every corner of the Earth, our people yearned to return to Jerusalem, to touch its golden stones, to walk its hallowed streets,” the prime minister continued.

“So it’s rare to be able to speak of new and genuine milestones in the glorious history of this city. Yet today’s pronouncement by President Trump is such an occasion,” said Netanyahu. “We’re profoundly grateful for the president for his courageous and just decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and to prepare for the opening of the U.S. embassy here.”

“This decision reflects the president’s commitment to an ancient but enduring truth, to fulfilling his promises and to advancing peace,” he continued. “The president’s decision is an important step towards peace, for there is no peace that doesn’t include Jerusalem as the capital of the State of Israel.”

“I call on all countries that seek peace to join the United States in recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and to move their embassies here,” he added. “I share President Trump’s commitment to advancing peace between Israel and all of our neighbors, including the Palestinians. And we will continue to work with the president and his team to make that dream of peace come true.”

“I also want to make clear: There will be no change whatsoever to the status quo at the holy sites. Israel will always ensure freedom of worship for Jews, Christians, and Muslims alike,” said Netanyahu. “President Trump, thank you for today’s historic decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. The Jewish people and the Jewish state will be forever grateful,” he concluded.