What Does the Trump Plan Say About Jerusalem?

Articles, Chaim Silberstein, Hillel Fendel

And so, once again in the news is President Trump’s “Deal of the Century.” This particular proposal, contrary to previous ones, has an inherent advantage for many Land of Israel lovers: For the first time in 2,000 years, it grants Israel full sovereignty over significant parts of Judea and Samaria. On the other hand, it leaves over the remainder for what many feel is an existential danger to Israel, namely, a Palestinan state.

What about Jerusalem? What does the Trump Plan say about Israel’s capital city?

As with many other critical issues addressed in the plan, the key word is “vagueness.” In principle, Jerusalem fares relatively well in the plan. It opposes returning to a divided Jerusalem, and retains the Holy Sites under Israeli sovereignty, – but notes that the existing physical barrier should remain in place and “serve as a border between the capitals of the two parties.”

The removal of the neighborhoods outside the security barrier from Jerusalem could be acceptable, if they would become separate Israeli municipalities. But to detract them from Israel altogether is clearly not something we can sign on to.

We must continue to demand the measures we have long been calling for that will ensure effective Israeli sovereignty in our capital city: more construction in neighborhoods such as Gilo, Har Homa, Pisgat Ze’ev and of course the Old City; promotion of the Greater Jerusalem plan that will bring Mevaseret Zion, Maaleh Adumim, Gush Etzion, and the areas north of Jerusalem under the Greater Jerusalem “umbrella;” and making the city more attractive for large and small employers.