Israel goes crazy for Trump ahead of US embassy opening in Jerusalem – and even renames top football club in his honour
ISRAEL has gone crazy for Donald Trump, with everything from football clubs to streets changing their names in his honour.
The US today officially moved its embassy to Jerusalem in a move the American president announced back in December.
The controversial decision to recognise the city as Israel’s capital sparked criticism from world leaders and widespread protests.
Palestinians also claim Jerusalem as their capital and the decision is seen by many as a blow for the peace process.
But Israelis have been full of praise of Trump, who is seen by many as a hero for coming down squarely on the country’s side.
Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu today thanked Trump for his “courage” in going through with the move.
Across the city, signs have been put up declaring: “Trump is a friend of Zion.”
Streets have been renamed in honour of the US president – including a square near the site of the new embassy.
The city's mayor Nir Barkat announced on Facebook last week: "Jerusalem returns the love to Trump.
"We have decided that the square adjacent to the embassy in the capital will be called ‘United States Square’ – in honour of President Donald Trump."
Even Jerusalem’s best football team has changed its name from Beitar Jerusalem to Beitar Trump Jerusalem.
The club announced on their Facebook page: “President Trump has shown courage and true love of the Israeli people and their capital, and these days other countries are following his lead in giving Jerusalem its rightful status.
“The chairmen of the club, the owner Eli Tabib and the executive manager Eli Ohana have decided to add to the club's title the name of the American president who made history, and from now on will be called Beitar Trump Jerusalem.”
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But the decision to move the embassy was less well received in Gaza, where thousands of Palestinians protested by the border with Israel.
Dozens were killed by Israeli gunfire with hundreds more wounded in the bloodiest day of fighting since 2014.
Today’s deaths bring the total of Palestinians killed during the protests over the last two weeks to 86.
No Israeli casualties have been reported.
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