Jerusalem and Jared Kushner

Jess Barton, Staff Writer

President Trump made the decision to recognize Jerusalem as the official capital of Israel. In doing so, the US embassy will now be moved from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem despite Palestine’s recognition of East Jerusalem as their own capital. The decision creates a controversy as the Israel-Palestine conflict still rages on and many religions like Christianity, Islam, and Judaism recognize Jerusalem as their holy city.

The decision comes from evaluation by President Trump’s aide and son-in-law Jared Kushner. Kushner traveled to Israel in December to revive peace talks between Israel and Palestine. Trump has labeled the negotiations as Kushner’s “ultimate deal” although his act may ruin any future of peace between Israel and Palestine before it even begins. Kushner’s focus on the Middle East is now interrupted with his own political problems. Following recent allegations and investigations against White House officials, Kushner’s security has been downgraded. The aide has already faced speculation from Robert Mueller in his Russia investigation and will now be excluded from meetings involving national security.

The president has faced backlash from former ambassadors to Israel. Nine out of eleven former ambassadors believe the plan was “wrongheaded, dangerous, or deeply flawed.” Some supporters of the move even say that they disagree with President Trump’s approach because of the lack of “any evident gain.” A thirty year old Palestinian protester was killed as the protests escalated further. Around 200 people were injured although Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has said that the change won’t happen for years.