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22/05/2009 Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed Thursday that all of Jerusalem would always remain under Israeli sovereignty, in comments likely to spark consternation among Palestinians who hope to make the city the capital of a future state.
"Unified Jerusalem is the capital of Israel. Jerusalem always has been and always will be ours and it will never be divided again," said Netanyahu, to the sounds of roaring applause.
"I stand here today… saying what I said in my visit to the US: Jerusalem will never be divided again. Only Israeli sovereignty over the city would ensure the freedom of religion for the three faiths, and it is the only thing that can guarantee that all minorities and congregations could continue living in it," he said in a ceremony marking “Jerusalem Day” at the capital's Ammunition Hill. "Only under Israeli sovereignty will united Jerusalem ensure the freedom of religion and freedom of access for the three religions to the holy places," Netanyahu added.
Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat said later Thursday that Netanyahu's position on Jerusalem was a setback to the goal of a two-state solution, which is strongly supported by the Obama administration. "Mr. Netanyahu, by saying that, he's saying the state of conflict will be eternal," Erekat said.
Rafik Husseini, an aide to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said in response to Netanyahu's speech that "Israeli occupation of east Jerusalem is illegal," adding that an Israeli attempt to keep control of east Jerusalem would be a "major obstacle to peace."
Israeli President Shimon Peres took the stage before Netanyahu, saying that Jerusalem is the only capital Israel and the Jewish people have ever known. "Jerusalem's greatness does not stem from its geography, but rather from its history. No other city in the world has created such an abundance of spiritual and political history. "Jerusalem is held sacred by half of mankind. It has and always will be Israel's capital. We never had another and it has never been the capital of any other people."
RIGHT SEEKING ALTERNATIVES TO 2-STATES
A conference entitled "Alternatives to the Two-State Outlook" on Tuesday, organized by Likud MK Tzipi Hotovely, was purposely timed to coincide with the aftermath of Netanyahu's meeting with US President Barrack Obama. In the Knesset several diplomatic alternatives are raised by the Right.
"We are in a situation where Obama is presenting a diplomatic plan when it is clear to everyone that the two-state solution failed," Hotovely said. "Israel must have a deep debate and present an alternative, so the world will know that the two-state solution is not inevitable."
Diplomatic plans are to be presented at the conference by Vice Premier Moshe Ya'alon, Shas head Eli Yishai, Israel Beiteinu faction chairman Robert Ilatov and Adi Mintz, the former director-general of the Council of Jewish Communities in Judea, Samaria and the Gaza Strip. Left-wing figures will also speak, including Labor rebel MK Yuli Tamir. Retired general Giora Eiland will also present two diplomatic alternatives from a security perspective.
22/05/2009 Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed Thursday that all of Jerusalem would always remain under Israeli sovereignty, in comments likely to spark consternation among Palestinians who hope to make the city the capital of a future state.
"Unified Jerusalem is the capital of Israel. Jerusalem always has been and always will be ours and it will never be divided again," said Netanyahu, to the sounds of roaring applause.
"I stand here today… saying what I said in my visit to the US: Jerusalem will never be divided again. Only Israeli sovereignty over the city would ensure the freedom of religion for the three faiths, and it is the only thing that can guarantee that all minorities and congregations could continue living in it," he said in a ceremony marking “Jerusalem Day” at the capital's Ammunition Hill. "Only under Israeli sovereignty will united Jerusalem ensure the freedom of religion and freedom of access for the three religions to the holy places," Netanyahu added.
Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat said later Thursday that Netanyahu's position on Jerusalem was a setback to the goal of a two-state solution, which is strongly supported by the Obama administration. "Mr. Netanyahu, by saying that, he's saying the state of conflict will be eternal," Erekat said.
Rafik Husseini, an aide to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said in response to Netanyahu's speech that "Israeli occupation of east Jerusalem is illegal," adding that an Israeli attempt to keep control of east Jerusalem would be a "major obstacle to peace."
Israeli President Shimon Peres took the stage before Netanyahu, saying that Jerusalem is the only capital Israel and the Jewish people have ever known. "Jerusalem's greatness does not stem from its geography, but rather from its history. No other city in the world has created such an abundance of spiritual and political history. "Jerusalem is held sacred by half of mankind. It has and always will be Israel's capital. We never had another and it has never been the capital of any other people."
RIGHT SEEKING ALTERNATIVES TO 2-STATES
A conference entitled "Alternatives to the Two-State Outlook" on Tuesday, organized by Likud MK Tzipi Hotovely, was purposely timed to coincide with the aftermath of Netanyahu's meeting with US President Barrack Obama. In the Knesset several diplomatic alternatives are raised by the Right.
"We are in a situation where Obama is presenting a diplomatic plan when it is clear to everyone that the two-state solution failed," Hotovely said. "Israel must have a deep debate and present an alternative, so the world will know that the two-state solution is not inevitable."
Diplomatic plans are to be presented at the conference by Vice Premier Moshe Ya'alon, Shas head Eli Yishai, Israel Beiteinu faction chairman Robert Ilatov and Adi Mintz, the former director-general of the Council of Jewish Communities in Judea, Samaria and the Gaza Strip. Left-wing figures will also speak, including Labor rebel MK Yuli Tamir. Retired general Giora Eiland will also present two diplomatic alternatives from a security perspective.
Netanyahu: Jerusalem will never be Divided or Partitioned
Netanyahu {Ma'an Images}
Netanyahu made the comments during a speech marking the anniversary of the occupation of the eastern half of the Palestinian capital, according to Israeli news reports. "United Jerusalem is Israel's capital. Jerusalem was always ours and will always be ours. It will never again be partitioned and divided," Netanyahu said at the state ceremony. The Israeli prime minister also noted that he made the same announcement during his latest visit to Washington, DC, although it had not been announced publicly. "Only under Israeli sovereignty will united Jerusalem ensure the freedom of religion and freedom of access for the three religions to the holy places," Netanyahu said in the ceremony at Ammunition Hill, which is located at an illegal settlement in East Jerusalem. Israeli forces captured East Jerusalem from Jordanian control in 1967, annexing it and declaring the city the "undivided, eternal capital of Israel," despite protests from most of the international community. Meanwhile on Thursday, at least 200 Palestinians demonstrated near Damascus Gate in protest of the holiday. Israeli news sources reported that activists held signs reading "Jerusalem - not a celebration for everyone" and "Building in the west - demolishing in the east." Other demonstrators waved Palestinian flags and called Jerusalem's so-called reunification a fantasy. "The city is not united. East Jerusalem had been annexed by Israel against the will of its residents, who have since been suffering discrimination, neglect and abuse in all walks of life," said a statement to Ma'an from the demonstration's organizers, a coalition of East Jerusalem neighborhood committees and residents.
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