The U.S. ambassador to Israel, David Friedman, praised "the vision, the courage and the moral clarity" of President Trump in making the U.S. the first country to open an embassy in the disputed city.
The move on Monday of the U.S. embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem endorses Israel's view of the city — where it has reshaped the map to solidify its hold.
Israel has reshaped Jerusalem in a way that leaves many Palestinians struggling. About 38 percent of the city's residents are Palestinian. Tens of thousands live behind an Israeli-built barrier.
The relocation of the embassy has sparked celebration and outrage. Both Israelis and Palestinians claim Jerusalem as their capital. No other countries have embassies there.
President Trump says the U.S.-Israel relationship is better than ever. He met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu who faces snowballing corruption allegations at home.
The hashtag #PenceFence made the rounds on Twitter as female journalists said they were made to stand behind their male colleagues at the vice president's visit to the holy site in Jerusalem.
Israeli politicians gave standing ovations as Vice President Pence promised a faster timetable for a U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem. A Palestinian official called Pence's words "a gift to extremists."