President Donald Trump is predicted to leave the U.S. embassy in Tel Aviv, instead of moving it to Jerusalem as he vowed during his campaign, CNN reports.
Trump said during his campaign that he would recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital, as its government has called for, but unnamed senior officials in his administration claim that although he still favors the move, he will refrain to avoid offending Palestinians.
One official said that the relocation is "something the president supports, something he supported during the campaign, something he still supports. If he signs the wavier this week, that will not be indicative of him reversing his opinion, it will just be a question of timing. It will be when, not if."
A law passed in 1995 mandated that the embassy be moved to Jerusalem, but every president since has signed a waiver preventing this. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has said repeatedly that the embassy move would destroy hopes of peace talks with Israel.
Trump said earlier this month, after meeting with Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, that both their people are prepared for a peaceful agreement.
"The Palestinians are ready to reach for peace. I know you've heard it before. I am telling you, that's what I do. They are ready to reach for peace," Trump said during his visit to Israel, according to CNN. "And my meeting with my very good friend Benjamin. I can tell you also that he is reaching for peace . . . Benjamin Netanyahu wants peace."
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