US embassies warned to boost security ahead of possible Jerusalem announcement: report
Source: The Hill
BY JOHN BOWDEN - 12/05/17 08:19 AM EST
The State Department is reportedly warning U.S. embassies around the world to tighten security ahead of a possible announcement on the recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital by President Trump on Wednesday.
Politico reports that State Department officials are worried Trump's possible declaration could lead to violence targeting U.S. embassies and diplomatic staff. “The impending Jerusalem announcement has me very worried about the possibility of violent responses that could affect embassies,” a State Department official told the news outlet. “I hope I’m wrong.”
The U.S. currently recognizes Tel Aviv as Israel's capital, and the U.S. embassy is located there. Under a 1995 law, the president must recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital or make a declaration every six months that such a move would harm U.S. national security interests.
The radical terror group Hamas has already pledged a new "intifada," or Palestinian uprising, if Trump declares Jerusalem as Israel's capital. An escalation of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in 2015 led to hundreds of casualties affecting both sides.
Read more: http://thehill.com/policy/international/363260-us-embassies-warned-to-boost-security-ahead-of-possible-jerusalem
= new reply since forum marked as read
