Arab League urges Brazil to reverse Jerusalem decision

CAIRO

The Arab League on Friday called on Brazilian President-elect Jair Bolsonaro to revoke his decision to relocate the Brazilian embassy in Israel to Jerusalem.

In a statement, Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Abul-Gheit said that Arabs had been “alarmed” by remarks attributed to Bolsonaro regarding his stated intention to relocate the embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

Abul-Gheit said Brazil had a “good reputation” for respecting international law and enjoyed good relations with most Arab states based on mutual respect and cooperation.

He added: “The relocation of the Brazilian embassy to Jerusalem would constitute a flagrant and regrettable violation of international law and [UN] Security Council resolutions that consider Jerusalem an occupied city.”

Bolsonaro on Thursday announced his intention to relocate his country’s embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem once he formally assumes the presidency.

U.S. President Donald Trump sparked a world outcry last December after announcing plans to move Washington’s Israel embassy to Jerusalem and recognize the city as Israel’s capital (which he did earlier this year).

Since then, the Palestinian leadership in Ramallah has rejected any mediating role by the U.S. in the moribund Middle East peace process.

Jerusalem remains at the heart of the Middle East conflict, with Palestinians hoping that East Jerusalem -- occupied by Israel since 1967 -- might eventually serve as the capital of an independent Palestinian state.