Obama 'surrendered to radical Islam' – Jerusalem mayor's attack as Trump era begins
BARACK OBAMA has been accused of abandoning Israel and surrendering to radical Islam.
Jerusalem mayor welcomes stronger US-Israel relations
Jerusalem's mayor Nir Barkat has bashed the outgoing President in a campaign to encourage Israelis to sign a letter welcoming Donald Trump to the White House.
Mr Trump has promised to move the US Embassy from its current location in Tel Aviv to Jerusalem,
The mayor bashed Mr Obama's eight-year reign and charged him with "abandoning Israel" to the UN.
He said: "My fellow citizens, during the last eight years, the Obama administration has pushed for a settlement-building freeze, has surrendered to the Iranians and radical Islam and abandoned Israel to a hostile UN resolution."
This week President Donald Trump enters the White House. Let’s all welcome him together as our friend
Mr Obama has tried to improve the Israeli and Palestine conflict in Israel by supporting a two-state solution to the long-running dispute.
The mayor of Jerusalem since 2008 made clear he was optimistic about a better relationship with the Trump administration.
He said: "This week President Donald Trump enters the White House. Let’s all welcome him together as our friend."
"Thank him for his intentions to move the US embassy to Jerusalem thereby conveying a clear message to the world that Jerusalem is Israel's undivided capital.
"Join me, in signing a letter supporting President Trump's decision to move the embassy to Jerusalem and his decisions supporting the state of Israel.
"Let's make Israel – USA relations great again."
It has been reported the letter gained more than 10,000 signatures in the first six hours.
Jerusalem is not fully recognised as Israeal's capital as many countries have their embassies in Tel Aviv, due to the complexities and sensitivities surrounding the role of Jerusalem in the peace process.
Mr Trump has said his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, will serve as a senior advisor in his administration and will spearhead efforts to produce a peace deal in the Middle East.
Both Israel and Palestine have made claims to have Jerusalem as their state's rightful capital.