Washington—Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) today called on President Trump to reject calls to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel or relocate the embassy from Tel Aviv.

“The future of Jerusalem is an issue that should be decided by Israel and the Palestinians, not unilaterally by the United States,” Senator Feinstein wrote. “Recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital—or relocating our embassy to Jerusalem—will spark violence and embolden extremists on both sides of this debate.”

The full text of the letter follows:

December 1, 2017

President Donald Trump
The White House

Dear Mr. President:

I write today to urge you to reject calls to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. Doing so would spark violence, further alienate the United States and undermine the prospects of a two-state solution.

The future of Jerusalem is an issue that should be decided by Israel and the Palestinians, not unilaterally by the United States. Recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital—or relocating our embassy to Jerusalem—will spark violence and embolden extremists on both sides of this debate.

Recall that the Second Intifada, which killed thousands, was sparked by Ariel Sharon’s visit to the Temple Mount. This act was perceived by many Palestinians as an act of Israeli provocation and incursion on land they claimed as Palestinian.

For 50 years, Democratic and Republican presidents alike have chosen not to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital in order to remain impartial. If you break with this long tradition of bipartisan foreign policy, you’ll erode American credibility as an unbiased mediator, alienate us from our international partners—such as Jordan—and undermine any remaining hope for a two-state solution.

As you know, a two-state solution is the only viable path for Israel to remain both a democratic and Jewish state. Your decision could place such an agreement, which you have described as the “ultimate deal,” out of reach. I strongly encourage you to reject calls to change Jerusalem’s status so that the “ultimate deal” can remain within reach.

Sincerely,

Dianne Feinstein
United States Senator

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