PLAYING WITH FIRE

Trump’s Jerusalem Announcement Could Spark Violence, State Department Warns

Rumored to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital this week.

The State Department is warning U.S. embassies to be on high alert this week ahead of President Donald Trump’s rumored move to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, Politico reports. The State Department is said to have sent two classified cables warning U.S. officials of potential backlash in the Middle East should Trump make the announcement. The move, which Trump is expected to discuss Wednesday, could set off a diplomatic powder keg in Israel and Palestine, both of which claim Jerusalem as their capital. Current U.S. policy is to issue a biannual statement declining to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, citing the risks the move could pose to U.S. security. But Trump has previously spoken in favor of backing Israel’s claim to the city and moving the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.