Aryeh King
Aryeh KingIsrael news photo: Flash 90

 

The Knesset Interior Committee will hear today from Jerusalem Arabs who do not want to come under control of the Palestinian Authority.

The committee is holding a special session this morning regarding Israeli policy in the neighborhoods of eastern and northern Jerusalem.

Several MKs called for the Knesset to deal with the matter, in light of the creeping control that Israel is apparently allowing the PA to take over parts of the capital.

“Signs of Israeli sovereignty are disappearing in parts of Jerusalem that are behind the partition fence,” say MKs Aryeh Eldad, Uri Ariel and others, “and their place is being taken by hostile elements. This, despite the lack of any decision by the Knesset or the government on the matter.”

“This purposeful impotence leads to the de facto division of Jerusalem,” the MKs continue, “which stands in direct contrast to the official policy of the Government of Israel – and is against the will of most of the Israeli citizens in these neighborhoods.”

Jerusalem lands activists Aryeh King said before the session that he plans to present photographs of PA policemen directing traffic in Jerusalem neighborhoods, PLO flags waving on porches, signs of official PA government offices sponsoring public works in the capital, and more.

King also said that many Arabs in Jerusalem look very askance at the government of Israel for giving up its sovereignty over their homes - and some of them have been invited to speak at the Knesset session. “This is the first time they’re coming out publicly in this way,” King said. “Yes, it’s dangerous for them, but they see that what’s happening will lead directly to their children and grandchildren growing up in a terrorist hothouse. They have been placed in a walled ghetto, and then a terrorist regime will control them. Who would ever agree to live like that?”