Israel considers Jerusalem its “complete and undivided” capital, a position solidified by the 1980 Jerusalem Law (WIPO Lex), which serves as the seat for its Knesset (parliament), Supreme Court, and government ministries. While Israel holds full control over the city, particularly after capturing East Jerusalem in 1967, this status is deeply contested internationally. 

Following the 1967 Arab-Israeli War, Israel annexed East Jerusalem and extended its legal jurisdiction there. West Jerusalem has served as the capital since 1949, with major state institutions located there. Although the U.S. and a few other countries have recognized Jerusalem as the capital and moved their embassies there, most of the international community does not recognize Israeli sovereignty over East Jerusalem.

Palestinians seek East Jerusalem as the capital of their future state, as it is crucial to their economy, population, and religious history. Efforts to fully unify the city include expanding settlements in the east and restrictive planning policies for Palestinian residents, which are viewed as illegal under international law. 

Israel aims to secure Jerusalem as its “undivided” capital, with all branches of government located there. Control over East Jerusalem, particularly the Old City, is central to Israeli national and religious identity. Israel has sought to expand its control through municipal annexation, land policies, and infrastructure development to ensure a Jewish majority in the area.

The international community overwhelmingly considers East Jerusalem to be occupied Palestinian territory, rejecting Israel’s 1980 annexation as a violation of international law regarding the acquisition of territory by force.

Palestinians view East Jerusalem as the essential capital for a future Palestinian state, resisting Israeli efforts to incorporate it into their territory. Based on the context of ongoing territorial consolidation and security management in Jerusalem, Israel’s control over Jaffa Gate is part of a broader strategy to assert sovereignty over East Jerusalem. It facilitates the restriction of Palestinian movement, enables settlement expansion in the Old City, and maintains high-surveillance, security-driven access for tourism and Jewish settlers. 

By controlling key access points like Jaffa Gate, Israeli authorities solidify control over the Old........

© Middle East Monitor