​(Communicated by the Prime Minister's Media Adviser)

Following is Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's response to US President Donald Trump's statement:
 
"This is a historic day. It's been the capital of Israel for nearly 70 years. Jerusalem has been the focus of our hopes, our dreams, our prayers for three millennia. Jerusalem has been the capital of the Jewish people for 3,000 years.
 
It was here that our temples stood, our kings ruled, our prophets preached
 
From every corner of the earth, our people yearned to return to Jerusalem, to touch its golden stones, to walk its hallowed streets. So it's rare to be able to speak of new and genuine milestones in the glorious history of this city
 
Yet today's pronouncement by President Trump is such an occasion. We're profoundly grateful to the President for his courageous and just decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and to prepare for the opening of the US embassy here. This decision reflects the President's commitment to an ancient but enduring truth, to fulfilling his promises and to advancing peace.
 
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. I share President Trump's commitment to advancing peace between Israel and all of our neighbors, including the Palestinians. And we will continue to work with the President and his team to make that dream of peace come true. I call on all countries that seek peace to join the United States in recognizing Jerusalem as Israel's capital and to move their embassies here.
 
 I also want to make clear: there will be no change whatsoever to the status quo at the holy sites. The Jewish people and the Jewish state will be forever grateful. This has been our goal from Israel's first day
 
Israel will always ensure freedom of worship for Jews, Christians, and Muslims alike. President Trump, thank you for today's historic decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital."