I was very disappointed by the announcement of the US's intention to move its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.
The Prime Minister has been clear that she disagrees with the decision to move the US embassy to Jerusalem and to recognise Jerusalem as the Israeli capital before a final status agreement. It is the UK view that it is unhelpful in terms of prospects for peace in the region. The British Embassy to Israel is based in Tel Aviv and there are no plans to move it.
The UK position on the status of Jerusalem is clear and long-standing: it should be determined in a negotiated settlement between the Israelis and the Palestinians, and Jerusalem should ultimately be the shared capital of the Israeli and Palestinian states. In line with relevant Security Council Resolutions, the UK regards East Jerusalem as part of the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
I am glad that the US is committed to a two-state solution negotiated between the parties and that President Trump acknowledged that the final status of Jerusalem, including the sovereign boundaries within the city, must be subject to negotiations between the Israelis and the Palestinians. I would encourage the US Administration to now bring forward detailed proposals for an Israel-Palestinian settlement.
To have the best chances of success, the peace process must be conducted in an atmosphere free from violence. I call on all parties to work together to maintain calm.
