...it is clearly written by people who have a bias and have no account for reality.
The European Union has issued an internal document accusing Israel of accelerated “illegal annexation” of parts of eastern Jerusalem. The EU also charged the city with municipal and security policies that discriminate against Arab residents, according to the Reuters news agency.
An internal December 15, 2008 report of European diplomats states that the Israeli government placed “severe restrictions” on construction permits for Arab residents. The report also claims that Jerusalem’s Arab residents were denied municipal funding in proportion to their population.
In addition, the report criticizes Israel’s desire to complete a security barrier that runs through Jerusalem, saying that it restricts mobility of Arabs. In response, Israel states that the barrier, which is expected to be completed by 2010, helps prevent human suicide bombers from harming Israeli civilians.
Israel’s Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesman, Yigal Palmor, told Israel National News that he was unaware of the European Union report. “If quotes from the non-official report are correct, it is clearly written by people who have a bias and have no account for reality," Palmor stated. He added, “The Foreign Affairs Ministry cannot issue an opinion regarding municipal or terror response demolitions of homes.”
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton criticized the Jewish State last week during her visit to Israel’s capital, saying that planned demolitions in the city are “unhelpful.”
The Jerusalem Municipality issued a statement on Thursday in which it rejected media claims surrounding the demolitions and underscoring its authority to preserve open areas and archaeological sites for public recreation -- even if it meant clearing them of illegally-built homes by Arabs in eastern Jerusalem neighborhoods.
Strong Hand against Terrorists
Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat stated in the aftermath of Thursday’s bulldozer terrorist attack that those who harm Israeli civilians must be severely punished. “We need to quickly return to normalcy and send a clear signal that no one will be able to harm our lives,” the Jerusalem mayor said. “Purim is a happy holiday and we must go out and celebrate. The sooner we could return to normalcy, the terrorists will understand that there is no reason to perform these terrorist acts.”
Police Commander Dudi Cohen was less optimistic that Jerusalemites would soon return to a state of normalcy. At the scene of last week's incident, the police commander told reporters that the citizens must continue to be on the alert, as they were on Thursday, to thwart future terrorist attacks.
Cohen stated that the coming Purim holiday, which begins Monday night, is a ripe opportunity for possible terrorist attacks due to the large crowds that gather to celebrate and recommended that all measures be used to fight the phenomenon. “As in the past, I have said that we have to use a strong hand to counter terror, including destroying terrorists’ homes,” he said.