Netanyahu praises Trump after US opens embassy in Jerusalem

Jerusalem [Israel], May 15 (ANI): Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his gratitude towards United States President Donald Trump for opening the US embassy in Jerusalem.

He took to micro-blogging site Twitter to thank Trump for keeping his promises.

"Thank you, President Trump, for having the courage to keep your promises. Thank you, President Trump for making the alliance between Israel and the United States stronger than ever @realDonaldTrump", President Netanyahu tweeted.

Earlier on Monday, the US officially opened its brand new embassy in Jerusalem's Arnona area, amid the violent clashes in Gaza, which claimed over 50 lives.

US Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin formally began the ceremony by unveiling a US seal, officially marking the shifting of the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. The moment was watched by Trump's daughter Ivanka Trump and his and son-in-law Jared Kushner, as reported by CNN.

Jerusalem is often disregarded as the official capital of Israel by other countries. On December 6 last year, President Trump announced to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's official capital.

Trump's decision was criticised by Palestinians who had rejected Washington D.C's involvement in brokering a resolution to the age-old Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Jerusalem is a disputed territory, contested by both Israel and Palestine, which sees it as a capital of its future state. (ANI)

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