Press TV - US President Donald Trump does not plan to announce relocation of the American embassy to Jerusalem-al-Quds in the upcoming visit, says a senior administration official.
The unnamed officials comments on Wednesday violated a campaign pledge by the president to recognize Jerusalem al-Quds as the eternal capital of the Jewish people, according to multiple reports.
We dont think it would be wise to do it at this time, the official said. Weve been very clear what our position is and what we would like to see done, but were not looking to provoke anyone when everyones playing really nice.
Since his campaign pledge at the American Israeli Political Action Committee (AIPAC), Trump has been pressured to make the move.
[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="555"]
US President Donald Trump (R) and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shake hands following a joint press conference in the East Room of the White House in Washington, DC, February 15, 2017. (Photo by AFP)[/caption]The official ruled out expectations that such a measure is on the presidents agenda in his first ever foreign tour, which will start by a visit to Saudi capital Riyadh on Friday.
Trump, who often brags about being a great deal maker, has also vowed to establish peace between Israelis and Palestinians.
"You know I'm not a person who breaks promises." Trump tolda conservative Israeli news outlet in January.
At a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in February, Trump said the issue of embassy relocation was being considered with great care.
Since Trumps inauguration in January, Tel Aviv has increasingly become emboldened in its expansionist plans for Jerusalem al-Quds.
Israel lays claim to the entirety of Jerusalem al-Quds as its capital while Palestinians want its eastern part as the capital of their future state.
During its long history, the holy city has been destroyed at least twice, besieged 23 times, attacked 52 times, and captured and recaptured 44 times.
