By Christine Darg

Jerusalem Channel
The Jerusalem Channel, the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem (ICEJ) and other Bible-based organizations welcome the U.S. recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel as stated in the Bible.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was quick to praise the action in a televised speech in Jerusalem.
In 1995, Congress passed the Jerusalem Embassy Act mandating the relocation of the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv, sparking Palestinian protests. On Wednesday, Trump said his administration would begin the process of moving the embassy to Jerusalem, and would build a beautiful embassy for peace. His predecessors, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama, had consistently put off that decision to avoid inflaming tensions in the Middle East. But Trump said that reality needed to be recognized–that the parliament, supreme court and leaders’ residences are all in Jerusalem–and therefore acknowledging a sovereign nation’s choice of its capital is “the right thing to do.”

Dr. Jürgen Bühler, ICEJ President, wholeheartedly welcomed what he called “today’s courageous landmark decision by the United States to finally recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. This is a long overdue step which goes to the core of the historic national identity of the Jewish people.” The ICEJ issued the following statement:
“Jerusalem holds great historical and religious significance for billions of people of faith all around the world, and as Christians we have to acknowledge that it all began with the Jewish people and their deep spiritual attachment to this city. For seven decades now, Jerusalem has served as the capital of the reborn state of Israel, demonstrating the centrality of this city to Jewish national life. In that time, Israel has established a proven track record as the proper custodian of its many holy places. Thus, we rejoice with the Jewish people that their beloved city is finally getting its due recognition. This also is a day of rejoicing for our own ministry, as the Christian Embassy has been at the forefront of Christian efforts to convince the community of nations to grant full diplomatic recognition to Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. We are now hopeful other nations will quickly follow the bold lead of US President Donald Trump and move their embassies to this extraordinary city. Surely, the time has come to end the wholly undeserved diplomatic snubbing of Jerusalem.”

Trump emphasized in his speech that he is still committed to a peace deal between the two sides: “This decision is not intended in any way to reflect a departure from our strong commitment to facilitate a lasting peace agreement. We want an agreement that is a great deal for the Israelis and a great deal for the Palestinians.”

The U.S. embassy move is not expected to be immediate and could take at least three or four years.

In this televised speech, Netanyahu commented, “Israel will always ensure freedom of worship for Jews, Christians, and Muslims alike. President Trump, thank you for today’s historic decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. The Jewish people and the Jewish state will be forever grateful.”

Netanyahu says other countries have also contacted him as well as the Foreign Ministry to explore moving their embassies to Jerusalem.

As angry reactions erupt amongst Israel’s enemies, let us continue to”Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee.” (Psalm 122:6) If Israel chooses Jerusalem as its capital, then America and every other nation should simply recognize Israel’s capital. This is just plain common sense.

The president’s speech was no-nonsense, and as the politician that he has become, he also did not commit himself to the city’s “final status.” However, the God of Bible prophecy has!

Thus saith the Lord; I am returned unto Zion, and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and Jerusalem shall be called a city of truth; and the mountain of the Lord of hosts the holy mountain. (Zechariah 8: 3)