Jerusalem is 'red line' for Muslims: Turkey's Erdogan

By Emin Avundukluoglu

ANKARA (AA) - Jerusalem is inviolable for Muslims, and ignoring that would have serious consequences, said Turkey’s president on Tuesday over reports that U.S. President Donald Trump could decide to recognize the city as Israel's capital.

"Mr. Trump, Jerusalem is a red line for Muslims," Recep Tayyip Erdogan told a parliamentary group meeting of his ruling Justice and Development (AK) Party.

"We are imploring the U.S. once again. You cannot take this kind of step."

Erdogan also warned that if the U.S. does so, Turkey could cut off diplomatic ties with Israel.

"If you take this kind of step, we will convene an Islamic cooperation summit in Istanbul," he added.

The U.S. media has said Trump is considering relocating the American Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem and the formal recognition of the city as Israel’s capital.

Jerusalem remains at the core of the perennial Israel-Palestine conflict, as Palestinians want Israeli-occupied East Jerusalem as the capital of a future state.

On the campaign trail, Trump repeatedly promised to relocate the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem.