Binyamin Netanyahu
Binyamin NetanyahuMark Yisrael Salem, Flash 90

Israeli Prime Minister Binaymin Netanyahu on Wednesday afternoon spoke to the Knesset about Jerusalem Day.

"We will not go back to a situation in which we can look at the Western Wall, but cannot approach it," Netanyahu said. "The desire to pound Israel is not something which is based on facts."

"Again and again, they try to erase our roots, to deny our historical connection to Jerusalem, and to destroy our sovereignty over it.

"To you, the members of the Knesset, the citizens of Israel, and to the entire world, I want to make it clear: The Temple Mount and the Western Wall will forever stay under Israel's sovereignty.

"There are those who see the Six Day War as a disaster for Israel. I see it as a miracle and a salvation for Israel.

"How could we have continued to exist with such narrow borders, with daily threats to our existence and to our citizens' lives? Even walking on Jerusalem's King George Street [a central street in the heart of Jerusalem's commercial area - ed.] used to be dangerous.

"We can say for certainty that the entire world was looking at Jerusalem this week. Certainly, the entire Jewish world is celebrating with us, celebrating fifty years since the liberation and unification of our eternal capital.

"But I am sure the entire world was excited when they watched US President Donald Trump and his family meet a warm and honorable reception in Jerusalem, approach the Western Wall, and touch its stones.

"This is exactly what our soldiers did when they liberated Jerusalem fifty years ago, during the Six Day War. The feelings are the same feelings, and they come from the depths of the soul.

"Jerusalem is built, blossoming, open for everyone, and respects followers of all religions.

"We are the ones who liberated Jerusalem from its continued neglect and distress.

"We are the ones who developed the city into what it is today."