Saudis call for boycotting America after Trump's Jerusalem move

Saudis have called for a boycott of all American franchises and brands after the US president Donald Trump's recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, a contrast from the warming positions held by the Saudi authorities.

Riyadh has reportedly forbidden peaceful protests in support of the Palestinians or stands of solidarity.

Sources have said claimed that Riyadh has ordered media outlets to not focus "too much attention" on Washington's controversial decision.

Last Wednesday, President Trump broke with decades of US policy and formally recognised Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and announced his decision to move the US embassy from Tel Aviv.

The Saudi royal court sent a "severe warning" to bosses of newspapers and television and radio stations this week about the issue which has sparked protests across the Arab world, sources told The New Arab on Thursday.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, they added that the directive ordered media to instead "take aim at Iran and other regional countries" in its coverage.

Social media users in Saudi Arabia tweeted under the hashtag 'Boycott American restaurants' to show their anger at the American president's decision which has drawn near universal condemnation.

Participate in the boycott of American goods, you could have a direct affect on the American economy. The role of the people is greater (than of governments)

While some were sceptical

Others turned a critical eye onto their own societies

A people that only think of food…even while boycotting

Many stuck their ground, insisting it was the least they could do.

Economic boycott of the USA is a painful weapon – and it's a responsibility for any that can

Boycott, even if it's only you. God will ask you what you did, not about the result.

Another twitter user described boycott as a "war without weapons, and resistance without violence."

Saudi Arabia has previously come under fire for increasing normalisation with Israel. Recent events have been taken as a rupture of one of the principle social pacts between the Saudi royal family and the general populace. 

The kingdom continues to deny any official relations with Israel, despite the deluge of recent reports claiming rapprochement between the two states.

Israel regards Jerusalem as its capital, a position nearly the entire world rejects saying its status should be determined in peace talks with the Palestinians.

East Jerusalem, which includes the Old City, is considered occupied Palestinian territory under international law.