A change in the Democratic party platform when it comes to the capital of Israel is sparking controversy.

The Democratic party platform – set to go before the party's convention delegates later Tuesday – drops a reference to Jerusalem as Israel's capital.

Republicans Tuesday criticized the Democrats and President Barack Obama over the omission. Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney called the change “shameful,” accusing Mr. Obama of hurting ties with a long-time ally.

Both Israel and the Palestinians claim Jerusalem as their capital.

The Republican party platform – adopted last week – and the 2008 Democratic party platform both contained wording recognizing Jerusalem as Israel's capital.

Earlier this year, U.S. State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland told reporters, “Our policy with regard to Jerusalem is that it has to be solved through negotiations.”