Israeli Prime Minister reaffirmed on Sunday that his government would make a significant decision in favor of the residents of East Jerusalem. According to Channel Seven of Israel, this Sunday afternoon, Netanyahu, at the onset of the weekly government session, stated that his country has never forgotten and will never forget Jerusalem for a single moment and that his government is committed to assisting all its residents.
Netanyahu clarified during the government session that a vital decision will be made today benefiting the residents of East Jerusalem. He announced that he would later release a detailed statement on the matter, together with the Minister of Jerusalem Affairs, the Finance Minister, and the Mayor of Jerusalem.
In a related context, Nabil Abu Rudeineh, the official spokesperson for the Palestinian presidency, said on Saturday, “The 1967 borders and East Jerusalem are the keys to peace.” He confirmed that “settlement in all its forms is illegal according to international legitimacy resolutions.” This was in response to the plans of the Israeli Finance Minister, Betzalel Smotrich, to expand the settlements in the West Bank, as reported by the Palestinian News Agency, “WAFA,” on Saturday. Abu Rudeineh stated, “The attempts by the Israeli occupying authorities and its extremist ministers will not legitimize any settlement on Palestinian lands.”
He continued, “UN Security Council Resolution 2334 clearly stipulates that all settlements are illegal and a violation of the law, and they must be removed. This includes those established in East Jerusalem.” He added, “Washington bears the responsibility for the serious decisions taken by Israel,” noting that it “must take serious actions to stop the crimes and collective punishment of Palestinians by the occupying authorities.” Israeli media reported two days ago that Israeli Finance Minister Betzalel Smotrich had proposed a significant financial allocation to bolster the settlements in the West Bank, as he stated.
