Israel Seeks to Tighten Grip on Jerusalem

[Purveyor]

With the Middle East peace process faltering, Israel is seeking to tighten its grip on Jerusalem.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened his Cabinet in Jerusalem's disputed Old City, instead of the usual meeting place in West Jerusalem. The message was clear: Jerusalem will not be divided with the Palestinians.

Netanyahu said the world should know that the people of Israel are faithful to Jerusalem and their heritage.

He said Israel's position on a united Jerusalem is firm, and its hand is stretched out in peace to its Arab neighbors.

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http://www.voanews.com/english/news/middle-east/Israel-Seeks-to-Tighten-Grip-on-Jerusalem-122797729.html

[oberliner]

1. Israel marks Jerusalem 'reunification' with cash

JERUSALEM — Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday reaffirmed his intent to keep Jerusalem the "undivided capital" of Israel, authorising a $100-million investment package for the disputed holy city.

Speaking at a special meeting of his cabinet held inside the Old City walls, Netanyahu repeatedly vowed that he would not divide the city, despite international pressure for Israel and the Palestinians to share Jerusalem.

Israel captured east Jerusalem during the 1967 Six Day War, later annexing it in a move not recognised by the international community.

It marks the city's "reunification" on Jerusalem Day, which this year falls on June 1.

"The city was united 44 years ago, and we returned to our ancestral lands. Since then Jerusalem has flourished," Netanyahu said at the beginning of the cabinet meeting at the Tower of David museum in the Old City.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5iuRjRBcVjGEaK51TluORknh_Kpqg?docId=CNG.ccc3b0204b5da8e7cce5b8854b144bdf.ba1

[Countdown_3_2_1]

2. The city will never be divided. Jerusalem belongs to Israel.

I fully support Israel in this. Jerusalem is her capitol. Its not the capitol of Palestine, not now not ever.

Further, I support Israel declaring her borders are exactly as they are now. No universal declaration will change that. Negotiating in good faith might change it, but simple declarations will not.

Further I propose the PA's endorsement of a universal declaration is a ruse to avoid both real negotiations, and a recognition of Israel's right to exist.

Statehood in itself will not bring peace. Negotiations between the two parties will bring peace, but peace was never universally declared.

this should be an interesting September...

[FarrenH]

3. Why? n/t

[Countdown_3_2_1]

4. Because. nt

[FarrenH]

5. It was a sincere question

I'd like to understand your motive for your permission, especially WRT Jerusalem. Was hoping to get a little more than snark.

[aranthus]

6. A few reasons.

First, cities tend to be more organically connected entities that larger territories, so the logistics of splitting them is harder. Which means it's better if the city stays in one piece. That being the case, who has the better claim to the city, and who can most be trusted with it? There are three competing parties: 1)The Israelis; 2) The Arabs, whether that be as part of Jordan or a Palestinian state. 3) The International community. Of the three, I think Israel has the best claim and can be trusted the most.

First the claim. It's best on connection to the city and on being the majority population within it. Jerusalem is the historical, political, and religious center of the Jewish and Israeli people. It contains Judaism holiest site. It is the place of the capital of the ancient Jewish state. It's like Rome to the Italians. It has been that way for over 2000 years. No other people has as long or multifaceted connection to the city. It is not the most important religious site for Palestinian Muslims. That would be Mecca. Nor is it an important political or historical center for the Arabs. It is even less important to the International community (except obviously for Christians). However, it is important to Christians only as a religious site. It has no political or historical significance to the larger world. Second, the Jews have been the majority of Jerusalem's inhabitants since about the middle of the 1900's.

Next, the trust issue. Here, Israel has already proven itself. As long as Jerusalem has been under Israeli control, the religious sites have been open to all, with local Muslim control of the Dome of the Rock. When Arabs and Muslims ruled Jerusalem after the 1947-49 war, the area was closed to Jews, and Jewish religious sites were desecrated. When the Arabs gained control of Abraham's Tomb in Hebron, same thing. After the PA gained control of Judea ad Samaria, the Christian population declined due in part to anti-Christian persecution. I'd trust the International community even less on this issue.

So the city should stay in one piece, and the Israelis should maintain control of it.

[Never Stop Dancin]

7. after all the work I've done on IsPal

this is still going on.

Anyway, Jerusalem is a bore--totally dead energy. Who needs it when you can go sit on the beach instead?