Netanyahu says recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital will advance peace

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu implores countries to follow the US and Guatemala in moving their embassies to Jerusalem, saying doing so will advance peace efforts.

“We’re happy about President Trump’s decision to move the embassy here. It says a simple thing: Peace must be based on truth,” Netanyahu tells foreign diplomats at an Independence Day event at the President’s Residence.

“Recognizing reality is the way to build peace. You cannot build peace on the basis of lies because it crashes on the rocks of reality,” he adds, calling on states to recognize the “fact” Jerusalem is Israel’s capital.

Netanyahu says half-a-dozen countries are currently in talks about moving their embassies to the city. He says Israel will provide “preferential treatment” to the first ten states who move their embassies.

“There is a simple principle [that] you know — ‘first come first serve.’ I decided that the first ten embassies that arrive here will get a preferential treatment. We’ll help you!” he says.