Trump's Jerusalem decision will advance peace talks, Israel's UN ambassador says

The United Nations Security Council will meet Friday to discuss President Trump’s decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, setting plans in motion to move the U.S. embassy from Tel Aviv.

Eight countries of the 15-member Security Council, Bolivia, Egypt, France, Italy, Senegal, Sweden, the U.K. and Uruguay, called for the emergency meeting to discuss direct negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians in order to avoid jeopardizing the prospects for peace.

Israeli Ambassador to the U.N. Danny Danon told FOX Business’ Liz Claman tomorrow’s Security Council meeting will offer an opportunity for other countries to understand that the only way to keep Jerusalem open to all religions is by recognizing the Holy City as the capital of Israel.

“I believe other countries will follow the U.S. That is real leadership, when you take the right decision even if it’s not popular, and I think when you come to Jerusalem and you see the freedom of religion everywhere,” Danon said on Thursday.

Danon was asked whether Saudi Arabia will be on board with relocating the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem.

“I can tell you that many Arab countries care more about the threat of Iran. They care more about radical Islam then they care about local issues between us and the Palestinians,” he said.

The Israeli Ambassador said he anticipates other Arab countries engaging in the peace process, which he says has been ignited by Trump’s recent declaration that the U.S. embassy will move to Jerusalem.

“For twenty years, we tried everything. It didn’t work and now all of a sudden, the president is coming to the Middle East to say, enough is enough. We know that Jerusalem will be the capital of Israel, period. So let’s move on,” Danon said.