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

He said, “My announcement marks the beginning of a new approach to the conflict.”

He termed his decision “a long overdue” step to advance the peace process.

Trump’s announcement provoked immediate condemnation from world leaders, who had previously denounced the move as a destabilising factor in an already tense and turbulent region.

The French president, Emmanuel Macron, said: “This decision is a regrettable decision that France does not approve of and goes against international law and all the resolutions of the UN security council.”

The move was also condemned by US allies Turkey and Egypt.

Israel’s government rushed to congratulate Trump for the speech, which the prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, described as an “important step toward peace”.