“Israel extended sovereignty to East Jerusalem and the Old City and claims the entire city as its capital; the Palestinians seek East Jerusalem as the capital of an independent Palestinian state,” the Times of Israel explained.
The Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper reported the information about Trump’s upcoming trip on Thursday, adding that he will not be enacting his campaign promise by announcing a move of the embassy from Tel Aviv to the capital. The article did not name its source.
Trump’s campaign promise to move the embassy drew sharp criticism from the Palestinian people and their supporters.
The White House has not yet responded to the claims printed in Yedioth Ahronoth, or even confirmed the trip. If Trump goes, a possibility that the administration has said they are “exploring,” he would be the first US president to visit Israel so soon after taking office. President Barack Obama did not visit until his second term.
When and if the trip happens, it is said that Trump would be accompanied by his daughter Ivanka and his son-in-law-turned-adviser Jared Kushner.
The Yedioth Ahronoth also reported that 25 US officials were scheduled to arrive in Israel on Thursday to begin preparation for Trump’s trip.
Trump will be hosting Palestinian Authority President Abbas at the White House next week.
