European foreign ministers have strongly rejected calls by Israel’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, to follow Donald Trump’s example and recognise Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.
Opposition from across the European spectrum came as Netanyahu made the first official trip to the EU by a sitting Israeli premier in 22 years.
Even the Czech Republic, one of Israel’s closest allies, warned that the US president’s decision was bad for peace efforts, while France said Jerusalem’s status could be agreed only in a final deal between Israelis and Palestinians.
Netanyahu also called on European governments to back the US peace initiative despite the fact that Trump has yet to reveal any details about it.
Jean-Yves Le Drian, France’s foreign minister, has urged Washington to disclose what was being drawn up by Jason Greenblatt, Trump’s Middle East envoy, and Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law and senior advisor.
Le Drian said: “We’ve been waiting already for several months for the American initiative, and if one is not forthcoming, then the European Union will have to take the initiative.”
Palestinian officials have called on Europe to take a greater role in the peace process after the US president’s move, which sparked protests across the Middle East and accusations that the US had abdicated its role as an “honest” mediator.
