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Source: https://www.jns.org/former-israeli-and-u-s-top-diplomats-express-admiration-caution-on-embassy-move/
Jerusalem Embassy Move Strengthens U.S. Credibility
(JNS) Israel Kasnett - The U.S. announced on Feb. 23 that it will move its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem in May. While some claim that the Arab world will react negatively, former U.S. Ambassador to Israel Dan Shapiro said, "Arab governments and the Arab public have other items higher on their agenda....Many Arab governments see Israel as a strategic partner, and many of these Arab states seek a positive relationship with President Trump. I'm not surprised there hasn't been a strong reaction in the Arab world, and I don't think there will be one in May either." Longtime Israeli diplomat Dore Gold, who served as director-general of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, believes Trump's decision shows he can keep his word. He explained that for Arab states that rely on "the wings of the American eagle for security," seeing a U.S. president stand strong, even if it is for Israel, means that he will stand strong for them as well. Asked if other countries would follow suit in recognizing Jerusalem as Israel's capital, Gold noted: "Keep in mind that the U.S. was the first country to recognize Israel - within minutes - after it announced independence in 1948. After the U.S. recognized Israel, other countries followed. So I think it's likely, yes."