The United States is asking Israel to temper its response to the US recognition of Yerushalayim as its capital because Washington expects a backlash and is weighing the potential threat to US facilities and people, according to a State Department document seen by Reuters on Wednesday.
“While I recognize that you will publicly welcome this news, I ask that you restrain your official response,” the document dated Dec. 6 said in talking points for diplomats at the US Embassy in Tel Aviv to convey to Israeli officials.
“We expect there to be resistance to this news in the Middle East and around the world. We are still judging the impact this decision will have on US facilities and personnel overseas,” the document said.
A second State Department document seen by Reuters, which was also dated Dec. 6, said the agency had formed an internal task force “to track worldwide developments” following the US decision on Yerushalayim.
A US official who spoke on condition of anonymity said it was standard to set up a task force “any time there is a concern about the safety and security of U.S. government personnel or U.S. citizens.”
The State Department had no immediate comment on either document.
Reuters and Algemeiner Staff
{Matzav.com}
It makes a lot of sense that our response should be restrained. After all, there is no reason for overwhelming celebration. We in Eretz Yisroel, as well as Yidden all over the world, always see Yerusholayim as the focal point. The Chidush is that even the Goyim are beginning to recognize it. It is they that should celebrate their achievement, of finally coming to their senses.