Saudi Arabia orders media 'to limit coverage' of Trump's Jerusalem move

Saudi Arabia has ordered media outlets in the kingdom to not focus "too much attention" on Washington's controversial decision to recognise Jerusalem as Israel's capital, sources have said.

The Saudi royal court sent a "severe warning" to bosses of newspapers and television and radio stations this week about the issue which has sparked protests across the Arab world, sources told The New Arab on Thursday.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, they added that the directive ordered media to instead "take aim at Iran and other regional countries" in its coverage.

US President Donald Trump recognised Jerusalem as Israel's capital on Wednesday in a move that has outraged Palestinians and drawn near universal condemnation.

Trump also began the process of moving the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

The Saudi royal court on Thursday slammed Trump's "unjustified and irresponsible" decision, in a surprise move that likely embarrassed Riyadh's leadership.

The Supreme Council of Islamic Scholars - the kingdom's most senior religious body - also released a statement, "confirming the great status of Jerusalem" in the Muslim world.

Some commentators considered the council's comments disappointing as it lacked clear criticism of Trump who authorised the move and instead focused on the holy city's religious importance.

On Thursday, an Israeli minister suggested Trump had obtained the "green light" from Arab leaders before making the divisive decision.

Speaking to Israel's Channel 10, Yisrael Katz claimed the US administration had coordinated the move with Arab leaders prior to the decision, to ensure they would help contain Palestinian and Arab reactions.

Regarding Saudi Arabia's position on Trump's move, Katz claimed Riyadh would take into account "shared security interests with Israel", particularly in relation to common foe Iran.

Saudi Arabia and the UAE's deep distrust of Shia power Iran is shared with Israel and has helped thaw relations.

Saudi Arabia denies any official relations with Israel, despite a deluge of recent reports claiming rapprochement between the two states.

Israel regards Jerusalem as its capital, a position nearly the entire world rejects saying its status should be determined in peace talks with the Palestinians.

East Jerusalem, which includes the Old City, is considered occupied Palestinian territory under international law.

The Palestinians hope it would become the capital of their future state once agreed in final status negotiations with Israel, according to the 1993 Oslo Accords. Trump's move puts this hope in serious jeopardy.