Perspectives On Trump Announcement About Jerusalem As Israel’s Capital

President Donald Trump holds up a proclamation to officially recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, in the Diplomatic Reception Room of the White House, Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2017, in Washington.
President Donald Trump holds up a proclamation to officially recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, in the Diplomatic Reception Room of the White House, Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2017, in Washington. AP Photo/Evan Vucci
President Donald Trump holds up a proclamation to officially recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, in the Diplomatic Reception Room of the White House, Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2017, in Washington.
President Donald Trump holds up a proclamation to officially recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, in the Diplomatic Reception Room of the White House, Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2017, in Washington. AP Photo/Evan Vucci

Perspectives On Trump Announcement About Jerusalem As Israel’s Capital

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Last week, President Trump announced a plan to move the U.S. embassy in Israel to Jerusalem.

Both Israelis and Palestinians claim Jerusalem as a capital. For decades, the Middle East peace process has hung on the “two-state solution,” where Israelis and Palestinians divide Jerusalem into their respective capitals. While Trump says his decision will help bring about a two-state solution, critics say that prospect is dead.

To discuss, we’re joined by five guests — scholars, journalists, and activists with different perspectives on Jerusalem and the peace process. 

Issam Nassar, a professor of modern Middle Eastern history at Illinois State University and co-editor of Jerusalem Quarterly, discusses why Jerusalem is important in the region’s modern history.

Eugene Kontorovich, professor of law at Northwestern University and researcher for the Kohelet Forum, discusses why the move won’t make a meaningful difference in the peace process.

Amir Tsarfati, founder of Behold Israel, and a “born-again” Christian convert from Judaism, discusses how Rapture Theology led many evangelical Christians to support President Trump’s Jerusalem move.

Ali Abunimah, co-founder of The Electronic Intifada and author of The Battle for Justice in Palestine, discusses the decision from a one-state Palestinian perspective.

Jeremy Ben-Ami, founder and president of J Street, a self-described pro-Israel, pro-peace organization, discusses his objection to Trump’s Jerusalem decision and where there could be compromise.