Israel Building in Jerusalem

Both McCain and Obama have made speeches saying that Jerusalem will remain the capital of Israel, and it must remain undivided. They share my feelings about Jerusalem. It's disappointing that Obama caved under pressure immediately after saying this when his Palestinian friends protested.

Rice has called Israel on the carpet for stating their intentions of building homes in neighborhoods of Gilo and Ramat Shlomo, two neighborhoods inside the municipal lines in Jerusalem that belong to Israel. This is a 180 degree turnaround from a speech Bush just made at the Knesset in Israel for Israel's 60th birthday. There he told a story about a British officer, the last leaving Israel, stopping at a building in the Jewish quarter of the old city of Jerusalem and giving an iron bar to the answering rabbi. It was the key to the Zion Gate, and told him that it was the first time in 18 centuries that the key had belonged to a Jew. He was giving the Jews the key to the city on the eve of Israel's independence 60 years ago.

Then we read that Bush actually was siding with the Arabs as his father did, when we read that Rice criticized Israel on West Bank settlements and is said to have used exceptionally harsh language. Also, another headline read: Rice says Jewish housing plan undermines Mideast peace talks. The building is taking place in Jerusalem, not a settlement, where we also have the right to build. Going back in time, it was written that the land promised to Abraham, Moses and David was the "West Bank," another name for Judea and Samaria. What a decision she makes to say that a country who needs housing can't because she says so. Eli Yishai, cabinet minister, said that soon they will also need a special approval to build in Tel Aviv at this rate.

According to American law, the Jerusalem Embassy Act of 1995 says that Jerusalem should remain an undivided city and should be recognized as the capital of the state of Israel.

At a time when rocket attacks are hitting Sderot and Ashkelon, Portland's sister city, all Rice can get furious about is Israel building on its own land. Why can't she get mad at being attacked by rockets 24/7? It's because the Palestinians are complaining, and it's they who she coddles.

Reference: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080615/ap_on_go_ca_st_pe/mideast_rice_7&printer=1;_7ilt

The New York Sun: www.nysuncom/editorials/rice-grabs-for-the-key/80065/

The New Republic Inc by Eugene Rostow www.tzemachdovid.org/Facts/islegal1.shtml