Jerusalem / Israeli Perspective
Today, Jerusalem is Israel’s self-declared capital — recently recognized by U.S. President Donald Trump. The Israeli government considers the city “Israel’s eternal and undivided capital” — highlighting the Jewish people’s historic connection to Jerusalem, and the “unification” of the city in 1967 after 18 years of Jordanian control of the eastern part. Israel has pledged to ensure access for all faiths to the
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Old City’s religious sites, and many Israelis are convinced that only Israel can be trusted to do so. Some also push for greater Israeli control over the Temple Mount, which remains largely under the administration of the Muslim Waqf, or religious authorities. In 1981, Israel extended its jurisdiction to the enlarged municipality of Jerusalem. Many Israelis believe Israel should be able to build in its capital without restrictions. To sum up the Israeli position, Israelis are hesitant to accept any agreement that would limit Israeli sovereignty over the entirety of Jerusalem, including the Old City.