When did Jerusalem become Israel’s capital? This question has been a subject of much debate and historical analysis. The answer to this question is not straightforward, as it involves a complex interplay of historical events, political decisions, and international recognition.
The origins of Jerusalem’s significance can be traced back to ancient times. Jerusalem has been a city of religious and cultural importance for thousands of years, serving as the religious center for the Jewish, Christian, and Islamic faiths. However, the question of when it became Israel’s capital is more closely tied to the modern political landscape.
The British Mandate period, which lasted from 1917 to 1948, was a critical time in the history of Jerusalem. During this period, the British administered the area that would become Israel and Jordan. In 1947, the United Nations proposed a plan to partition the area into separate Jewish and Arab states, with Jerusalem to be placed under international administration. However, neither the Jewish nor Arab communities accepted this proposal, leading to the 1948 Arab-Israeli War.
After the war, Israel declared independence on May 14, 1948. Jerusalem was divided into four sectors: Jordan controlled the eastern sector, while Israel controlled the western sector. The eastern sector, which included the Old City and its holy sites, became the de facto capital of Jordan, while the western sector became the capital of Israel.
In 1967, during the Six-Day War, Israel captured the eastern sector of Jerusalem from Jordan. In a controversial move, Israel annexed the eastern sector, including the Old City, and declared it the capital of Israel. This decision was not recognized by the international community, and most countries continued to maintain their embassies in Tel Aviv.
It was not until 1980 that Israel passed a law declaring Jerusalem as its capital. This law was met with widespread international criticism and has been a source of ongoing conflict. While Israel maintains a strong presence in Jerusalem, the status of the city remains a contentious issue in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
In conclusion, Jerusalem became Israel’s capital in 1967 when Israel annexed the eastern sector after the Six-Day War. However, the international community has not recognized this annexation, and the status of Jerusalem remains a contentious and unresolved issue in the Middle East.
