The status of Jerusalem is one of the most contentious and complex issues in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, reflecting both historical and political dimensions. Currently, Jerusalem is regarded by Israel as its capital, a position affirmed by the Israeli government since the founding of the state in 1948. However, this status is not recognized universally due to competing claims and international legal perspectives.
From a historical standpoint, Jerusalem holds immense significance for Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, making it a focal point of religious and cultural identity for billions worldwide. This historical and religious significance has contributed significantly to the dispute over its sovereignty.
Following the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, Jerusalem was divided between Israel and Jordan, with Israel controlling West Jerusalem and Jordan controlling East Jerusalem, including the Old City, which contains sites sacred to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. This division lasted until the Six-Day War in 1967 when Israel captured East Jerusalem and subsequently annexed it. This move was not recognized internationally, as most countries consider East Jerusalem occupied territory under international law.
The United Nations Security Council, through Resolution 478 adopted in 1980, condemned Israel’s annexation of East Jerusalem and called upon member states to withdraw their diplomatic missions from the city. Most countries, including the United States, followed this resolution by relocating their embassies from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv. This diplomatic stance was maintained for decades as part of international efforts to preserve the status quo of Jerusalem until a final status agreement could be reached between Israelis and Palestinians.
The Oslo Accords of the 1990s aimed to pave the way for a negotiated settlement between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), representing the Palestinian people. The status of Jerusalem was left unresolved, intended to be determined in final status negotiations. However, subsequent peace talks, including the Camp David Summit in 2000 and various bilateral negotiations, failed to resolve the issue of Jerusalem’s final status.
In December 2017, the United States, under President Donald Trump, recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and announced plans to move its embassy there from Tel Aviv. This decision sparked international condemnation and protests across the Middle East and beyond, as it was seen as prejudging the outcome of negotiations on the final status of Jerusalem and potentially undermining the prospects for a two-state solution.
Palestinians seek East Jerusalem, including the Old City, as the capital of their future state. They argue that East Jerusalem represents the heart of their national and cultural identity and that any solution that does not recognize this undermines their aspirations for statehood and self-determination. The international community, including the United Nations, has generally supported the Palestinian position on East Jerusalem, viewing Israeli settlements in East Jerusalem as illegal under international law.
Efforts to resolve the status of Jerusalem continue through diplomatic channels and international initiatives. The European Union and many other countries maintain that the status of Jerusalem should be resolved through negotiations between the parties, leading to a two-state solution based on the 1967 borders, with Jerusalem serving as the capital of both Israel and Palestine. However, achieving such a solution remains elusive due to entrenched political, historical, and religious obstacles.
In summary, the question of Jerusalem’s capital status remains deeply contested and symbolic in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. While Israel asserts Jerusalem as its undivided capital, this claim is not recognized internationally, with most countries viewing the status of Jerusalem as a final status issue to be resolved through negotiations. The future of Jerusalem, therefore, continues to be a central and unresolved issue in the quest for a lasting peace agreement between Israelis and Palestinians.