Jerusalem / A Solution for Municipal Jerusalem:
An Open vs. Divided City
Despite the relative separation of Jerusalem’s Jewish and Palestinian populations, the city is one urban unit, which presents a challenge for drawing a border straight through it.
An Open City
One option is to maintain Jerusalem as an “open city,” with unimpeded movement between its Israeli and Palestinian parts. This model would avoid the need to erect physical barriers and border crossings in the densely populated urban areas — constructing a border outside the city instead. But the “open city” model creates numerous challenges, including the need for a security envelope around Jerusalem; maximal cooperation between the two countries inside the city; and a special economic regime within the city.
Physical Boundary
Israel
Palestine
Residential areas in Israel
Residential areas in Palestine
A Divided City
Another potential solution for Municipal Jerusalem would be a divided city, which may bring to mind the Berlin Wall. To avoid that scenario, the border would need to provide adequate security while preserving both cities’ urban fabric and quality of life, and also facilitating the movement of people and goods across the border. In other words, an effective border would have to simultaneously separate and connect the two cities.
Physical Boundary
Israel
Palestine
Residential areas in Israel
Residential areas in Palestine