WASHINGTON, December 6. /TASS/. The time has come to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday.

"I have determined that it is time to officially recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel," he said. 

Trump has directed the Department of State to begin a process of moving the US Embassy in Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

"Consistent with the Jerusalem Embassy Act, I am also directing the State Department to begin preparation to move the American embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem," Trump said.