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Video Summary:
- On Wednesday, the United States officially recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and announced plans to move the embassy from Tel Aviv.
- Israeli leaders hailed President Trump's decision, considered a major shift in U.S. policy on Israel, saying that past presidents have said they would move the capital but did not.
- The decision drew criticism from world leaders from the Middle East and Europe as well as the United Nations who argued that the decision puts aside negotiation efforts for a two-state solution that have been underway for many years.
- The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is one of the leading global issues. Since the modern state of Israel was established in 1949, conflict has taken place throughout the region. Israelis argue Jerusalem has been their capital dating back to 1,000 B.C.E. Palestinians argue their land was taken from them.
- After the announcement was made, Palestinians began to protest. Trump said dissent is expected, but that his decision lays the groundwork for "lasting peace" in the region.
Discussion questions:
- Essential question : Why was the United States' decision to recognize Jerusalem as the official capital of Israel met with mixed reactions?
- What are arguments given by those who support the U.S. decision to move the capital to Jerusalem and those who do not support the decision?
- How might the Trump Administration's move to recognize Jerusalem as the official capital affect future efforts at peace?
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Media literacy question:
- If time permits, check out this interview "How Israelis and Palestinians see Trump’s Jerusalem move." Why do you think the NewsHour news team decided (this may also be referred to as an editorial decision ) to interview the two guests separately? What are the advantages to this? Disadvantages?
Extension activity:
- Learn the basics of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict: Check out key arguments that have been made for or against a two-state solution (creating an independent Palestinian state alongside the existing state of Israel) using resources from ProCon.org .
