The US will always recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, says Friedman

The United States ambassador to Israel, David Friedman, has ruled out the possibility that any future US administration will reverse the decision to recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

Friedman made the remarks during an interview with Israeli newspaper Israel Hayom: “It does not matter which party will govern. In order for any government to cancel the move, they will have to reach the conclusion that Jerusalem is not the capital of Israel, but Tel Aviv.”

Friedman has also ruled out the possibility that Israel with withdraw from the occupied Golan Heights: “I can not imagine a situation in which the Golan Heights will be returned to Syria.”

Read: Trump administration briefs US Jewish groups on Israel-Palestine peace deal

“Giving up the Golan Heights would put Israel at a great security disadvantage. There is a whole range of reasons that I expect the status quo to remain,” he added.

Friedman’s comments follow reports of a possible US recognition of the Golan Heights as part of Israel.

Friedman also commented on Washington’s decision to suspend US funding for UNRWA, claiming that “UNRWA is a critically damaged organisation that does not push regional peace”.