Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a statement of gratitude to President Trump for his decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

“Thank you President Trump for today’s historic decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. The Jewish people and the Jewish state will be forever grateful,” he said. 

Netanyahu called the decision “courageous and just,” emphasizing that there will be “no change whatsoever to the status quo” at the city’s holy sites to ensure freedom of worship for people of all faiths. Read more at Fox News.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu: @POTUS Trump, thank you for today’s historic decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. The Jewish people and the Jewish state will be forever grateful. pic.twitter.com/Z24lSRezYm

— PM of Israel (@IsraeliPM) December 6, 2017

There was never a question about Jerusalem being the capital of Israel for thousands of years. This is a day for all Americans to be proud of our President for taking the politically difficult and courageous move in support of our greatest ally and friend in the Middle East. May God bless Israel and America.

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Netanyahu’s comments came shortly after Trump officially recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, calling the move an “overdue step” for peace efforts between the Jewish state and the Palestinians. Trump also said that he is directing the State Department to make preparations to move the U.S. embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

Several world leaders, particularly from Europe and the Middle East, have criticized Trump’s decision and said that it will lead to violence. Palestinian factions have called for “three days of rage” over the announcement.

“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,” said Netanyahu, who called on all countries to join the U.S. in recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and to move their embassies to the city. Read more at TWFB.