Network Take: Trump to Recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s Capital

The Cipher Brief reached out to network experts retired Amb. James Jeffrey and CIA veterans John Bennett and Emile Nakhleh for their thoughts on the Trump administration’s imminent announcement recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, despite Palestinian objections that such a move ignores Palestinian claims to East Jerusalem. Among the questions is whether the announcement also would include moving the U.S. embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem or whether President Donald Trump will renew the standard waiver that has long delayed the embassy move.

Ambassador Jeffrey: This is not going to be the “end of days,” as some commentators are arguing, particularly if it’s just an announcement in principle and isn’t followed up by concrete steps. The problem is, the number one issue in the Middle East right now is not Israel and not the Palestinians; it’s Iran on the march.

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