In his Monday night address before the Jerusalem Conference, Minister (Likud) Dr. Binyamin Begin stated in recent years, there has been a decline in the recognition of the status of Yerushalayim, addressing increasing calls for negotiations with the PA (Palestinian Authority) and the need to divide the capital to permit portions to serve as the capital of Palestine.

He stated the far-reaching offers placed on the negotiating table mustn’t return in the future, adding that there have been offers of compromised Israeli sovereignty over Har HaBayis, Ir David and Har HaZeisim, and talk of an international entity maintain control over the areas.

Such offers he explained have compromised Jerusalem’s status and they have not led anywhere. “Even such concessions will not lead to agreement” he stressed.

There is no equality between nations and religions regarding legitimate claims to Jerusalem and there will be free access to all religions to all religious sites, but in order to guarantee and preserve Jerusalem, the capital must remain under exclusive Israeli sovereignty. The minister concluded by stating that Jerusalem, our capital, will never be divided again.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)