PM Netanyahu vows to respond to European critics

JERUSALEM – Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he is ready to defend President Donald Trump's recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital against its European critics.

Upon leaving on a diplomatic mission to Paris and Brussels late Saturday, Netanyahu said he "will present Israel's truth without fear and with head held high."

Trump's announcement sparked protests across the region. It also triggered denunciations from around the world, even from close allies like France, that suggested he had needlessly stirred more conflict in an already volatile region.