Skip to main content

Romania and Honduras to recognise Jerusalem as Israeli capital

Romania and Honduras to recognise Jerusalem as Israeli capital
MENA
2 min read
25 March, 2019
The leaders of Romania and Honduras declared on Sunday, 24 March, that they will recognise Jerusalem as Israel's capital.
Most of the world's countries base their embassies to Israel in Tel Aviv [Getty]

The leaders of Romania and Honduras declared on Sunday that they will now recognise Jerusalem as Israel's capital, prompting immediate anger in the region.

Romanian Prime Minister Viorica Dancila and Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez announced their decision at the pro-Israel lobbying group American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) annual conference in Washington.

Following Dancila’s surprising announcement, Jordan King Abdullah called off a planned trip to the Eastern European country.

But the move was welcomed by Israeli politicians.

In reaction to the announcement, Romanian President Klaus Iohannis, a political rival who's in charge of the East European nation's foreign policy, said the prime minister hadn't consulted with him over the decision.

The declaration was described by Iohannis as "total ignorance" of foreign policy.

Romania currently holds the European Union 's rotating presidency. However, the controversial decision goes against the policy of rest of the bloc.

In 2017, Trump recognised Jerusalem as Israel's capital and moved the US Embassy to the city, a move that was hailed by Israel. Other countries followed suit, including Guatemala.

These developments angered the Palestinians, who seek east Jerusalem as capital of their future state.

Most of the world's countries base their embassies to Israel in Tel Aviv.

The Palestinians, and most of the international community, say the city's final status should be resolved in negotiations.

More In News

The New Arab Staff & Agencies
The New Arab Staff & Agencies