How Long Has Jerusalem Been the Eternal Capital of Israel- A Historical Perspective
How long has Jerusalem been the capital of Israel?
Jerusalem, a city with a rich tapestry of history and culture, has been a focal point of contention for centuries. For many, it is not just a city, but a symbol of religious significance and national identity. The question of how long Jerusalem has been the capital of Israel is a complex one, intertwined with the city’s tumultuous past and the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The city of Jerusalem has a long and storied history, with evidence of human settlement dating back to ancient times. However, the modern state of Israel, which was established in 1948, did not immediately declare Jerusalem as its capital. Instead, the city was divided between Jordan and Israel following the 1948 Arab-Israeli War. Jordan controlled East Jerusalem, while Israel held West Jerusalem.
In 1967, during the Six-Day War, Israel captured East Jerusalem, effectively uniting the city under Israeli control. This event marked a significant turning point in the city’s status. In 1980, Israel passed the Jerusalem Law, which declared that “Jerusalem, complete and united, is the capital of Israel.” This law was met with international criticism and has not been recognized by most countries.
Since then, Jerusalem has remained a contentious issue. While Israel considers it its eternal and undivided capital, the Palestinians claim East Jerusalem as the capital of a future Palestinian state. This discrepancy has led to ongoing tensions and conflicts in the region.
So, how long has Jerusalem been the capital of Israel? Technically, since the 1980 Jerusalem Law, it has been officially recognized as such. However, the city’s status remains a point of contention and has been a source of conflict for over 70 years. The question of Jerusalem’s capital status is not just a legal matter but a deeply emotional and religious issue for both Israelis and Palestinians. As long as the conflict persists, the answer to this question will continue to be a matter of debate and contention.
