Why is it that Some People are Against Donald Trump Identifying Jerusalem as the Capital of Israel?

The issue of Jerusalem is complex and politically charged. At its core, there are two distinct parts of the city: West Jerusalem and East Jerusalem. West Jerusalem has been part of the State of Israel since 1948 and is recognized internationally as such. In contrast, East Jerusalem, which has been captured and later annexed by Israel in the 1967 Six-Day War, occupies a much more contentious position.

Understanding West and East Jerusalem

West Jerusalem, the newer and more modern part of the city, has been a part of Israel since 1948. It is a vibrant city with a significant Jewish and Israeli population. Conversely, East Jerusalem is the older part of the city, known for its rich historical and religious heritage. Historically, it was predominantly Palestinian Arab, and it is home to many of the city's most important religious sites, including the Western Wall for Jews, the Al-Aqsa Mosque for Muslims, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre for Christians.

The Annexation and International Disputes

After the 1967 Six-Day War, Israel annexed various territories, including Gaza, the Sinai Peninsula (which was returned to Egypt in 1982 following the Camp David Accords), the Golan Heights, and the West Bank. East Jerusalem, a crucial part of the West Bank, was also annexed. However, the international community does not universally recognize this annexation. Most UN member states do not recognize Israel's control or sovereignty over territories occupied after 1967, including East Jerusalem.

The Implications of Changing Embassy Locations

The debate surrounding the recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel is not just symbolic but carries significant political and legal implications. Moving the embassy from Washington D.C. to West Jerusalem is a less contentious step, as international recognition of Israeli sovereignty over West Jerusalem is already broadly accepted. However, the controversial aspect lies in the planned move of the embassy to East Jerusalem, specifically to the Arnona neighborhood. This move is seen as an act of recognition by the international community that East Jerusalem is an integral part of the State of Israel, which is not in line with the recognition of the Palestinian right to an independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

International Legal Framework and Consensus

The international legal framework surrounding this issue is complex. According to international law, a state can legally proclaim West Jerusalem as its capital provided it also recognizes East Jerusalem as the capital of Palestine. However, before a permanent resolution on the status of Jerusalem is reached through a negotiated settlement, changing the status or moving embassies in and out of Jerusalem violates the international consensus, as expressed by various Security Council and General Assembly resolutions.

Global Support and Opposition

The United Nations General Assembly and Security Council have demonstrated overwhelming support for maintaining the status of Jerusalem until a negotiated solution is agreed upon. In a vote at the General Assembly in 2017, 128 member states voted in favor of maintaining the status of Jerusalem, with 9 voting against. In the Security Council, the resolution was supported by a 14-1 margin, with only the United States voting in favor.

Conclusion

The controversy surrounding Jerusalem's status is at the heart of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Changes to the status quo, particularly regarding the recognition of East Jerusalem, remain highly contentious. While some see the move as a logical step in acknowledging West Jerusalem's status, others view it as an act that challenges the internationally recognized right of the Palestinians to an independent state. The international community's stance, rooted in legal and moral principles, highlights the need for a negotiated solution that respects the complex historical and cultural narratives of both sides.

Keywords

Jerusalem, Donald Trump, East Jerusalem, international law, embassy relocation