Netanyahu welcomes US recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has welcomed the United States' move to recognise Jerusalem as Israel's capital and termed it a "historic day".

Broadcasting his message from twitter handle '@IsraeliPM' shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump made the announcement on Wednesday, Netanyahu said, "Jerusalem has been the capital of the Jewish people for 3,000 years... It was here that our temples stood, our kings ruled, our prophets preached."

He further praised Trump for fulfilling one of his campaign promises.

"We're profoundly grateful for the President for his courageous and just decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and to prepare for the opening of the US embassy here," he said.

Further showering praise on Trump, the Israeli PM said, "The President's decision is an important step towards peace, for there is no peace that doesn't include Jerusalem as the capital of the State of Israel."

In his nearly two and a half minute message, he urged other countries to do the same and move their embassies from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, where Israel's Parliament and several of the ministries are already located.

"I call on all countries that seek peace to join the United States in recognizing Jerusalem as Israel's capital and to move their embassies here," he said.

He concluded his short reaction on the move with a message on communal harmony and said, "I also want to make clear: there will be no change whatsoever to the status quo at the holy sites. Israel will always ensure freedom of worship for Jews, Christians, and Muslims alike."

Meanwhile, the United Nations reiterated that the Jerusalem dispute must be resolved with bilateral negotiations between Israel and the state of Palestine.

"I will do everything in my power to support the Israeli and Palestinian leaders to return to meaningful negotiations and to realize this vision of a lasting peace for both people," United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres told media at the U.N. headquarters in Manhattan.