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US President Donald Trump's recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel may cause both short-term and long-term developments, an Armenian arabist said on Friday.

“I strongly believe that the US president a bit rushed. His decision to recognize Jerusalem as the Israeli capital was not well thought out. Trump either had little insight into the region or did not expect his decision would prompt such reactions. And the reaction of the international community, I think, does not lie in the US interests,” Sargis Grigoryan said in an interview with Panorama.am. 

According to the expert, the leader of the United States may try to show he keeps his promises through this step.

“Donald Trump tweeted today saying he is gradually fulfilling his campaign promises. Such moves have rather weak grounds. But no matter how negative the reactions are, Trump is not worried about them,” Grigoryan said.

He meantime expressed conviction Trump’s decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital will not spark large scale escalations given the fact the international community is well aware of the U.S. leader’s bizarre behavior.

“The reactions will be tough but measured,” he concluded.

Donald Trump made a statement on Thursday to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. In a short speech delivered at the White House, Trump directed the state department to start making arrangements to move the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

“I have determined that it is time to officially recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel,” Trump said. “While previous presidents have made this a major campaign promise, they failed to deliver. Today, I am delivering.”

Trump said: “My announcement today marks the beginning of a new approach to the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians.”