Arab states believe US aid secure despite defying Trump Jerusalem move

Leading Arab allies threatened with cuts in aid by Donald Trump said on Friday they had no choice but to defy the US president over his recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital, and did not believe he would follow through.

More than 120 countries, including every Arab nation, voted at the UN General Assembly late on Thursday to urge the United States to withdraw its decision, announced earlier this month.

Trump threatened to cut off financial aid to countries that voted in favour of the UN resolution, drafted by Egypt and supported by all members of the UN Security Council except Washington.

He repeated his threat on Friday, writing on Twitter: "After having foolishly spent $7 trillion (5.23 trillion pounds) in the Middle East, it is time to start rebuilding our country!" (Reuters)

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