Netanyahu, U.S. ambassador light menorah 1 year after U.S. recognizes Jerusalem

Dec. 6 (UPI) -- U.S. Ambassador to Israel took part in a menorah-lighting ceremony with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday to mark the one-year anniversary of the United States recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

The ceremony took place on the fifth night of Hanukkah at the Western Wall.

"There is a great victory, perseverance and great continuity of our people, which overrides all the rules of history with the force of faith and the will of our people. Today we celebrate 70 years since the re-establishment of the state of Israel," Netanyahu said during the ceremony. "The power of this spirit that is expressed throughout the world in the rising status of Israel in the world, in the special power that is projected here into the Middle East, Arab and Muslim countries, here in the Middle East, Africa, Asia and elsewhere."

He also made reference to President Donald Trump's announcement Dec. 6, 2017, making the United States the first country to officially recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital. During that announcement at the White House, Trump also promised to move the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

Palestinians and Muslims nations criticized the move because if a Palestinian nation is ever recognized, it would use East Jerusalem as a capital.

"I must add here the tremendous support we receive from the U.S. government and its president, Donald Trump," Netanyahu said.

"It is impossible to promote peace on the basis of lies and the end of a policy based on lies. President Trump, in a courageous and genuine move, recognized what we know has existed here not only since the time of the Maccabees, but since the time of King David, 800 years before, the recognition of Jerusalem, our heritage and the connection that no other nation. This is the truth, and the truth is the basis of all and the basis for peace."

Friedman tweeted it was a "true blessing" to participate in the ceremony "just meters from where the miracle of Chanukah occurred 2,200 years ago."