To the United States Ambassador, Mr. David Friedman
I applaud the U.S. Administration's recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.
This decision acknowledges what has already been true for a long time. Jerusalem has been the most important city to the Jewish people for 3,000 years. That it is now recognized by the US as the capital of a modern Jewish state is an example of historical justice that everyone should not only recognize, but celebrate. It is also nothing new: it has been US law since 1995 that Jerusalem should be recognized as the capital of the State of Israel and that the U.S. Embassy should be moved there from Tel Aviv.
It is important that this should not be seen as a real impediment to peace. In past negotiations there has never been any question that Jerusalem would remain the capital of Israel.
I hope that rather than turning to pointless acts of violence, Palestinian leaders and other regional players will accept reality and work together with Israelis to achieve a just peace.
I would like to offer my heartfelt appreciation and admiration for the clear declaration made by the U.S. Government, and offer my strong support to the values-based alliance between the two states.