Recently there has been a steady stream of provocative Israeli announcements, decisions, and developments related to East Jerusalem.  These include:

• the decision of the Jerusalem Planning Committee to approve two plans to re-zone/re-develop parts of Silwan;
• plans that include the demolition of at least 22 Palestinian homes and the post-facto legalization of a large settler apartment house;
• reports that settlers (with support from right-wing Knesset members) are preparing to evict Palestinians from another property in Silwan;
• Israel's decision to deport Jerusalemite members of the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) who are members of Hamas;
• reports that the Jerusalem Municipality is moving forward with a new Jerusalem "master plan" that will, among other things, permit major settlement expansion in East Jerusalem as well as residential development in Silwan;
• reports that construction has started at Shepherd's Hotel.
  

Tensions in East Jerusalem are running high, and have already started to escalate into clashes between Palestinian residents of the city and Israeli security forces.

Mr. President, it is urgent that you engage now, personally and resolutely, to convince Prime Minister Netanyahu to get Jerusalem under control.  We urge you to take action now, before Prime Minister Netanyahu comes to Washington next week.

Failing this, it is likely that either another visit to the White House by the Israeli Prime Minister will be poisoned by events on the ground in East Jerusalem, or that any good will generated by the visit will shortly thereafter be destroyed by events in East Jerusalem.  And failing this, it is a near certainty that the prospects for Israeli-Palestinian peace - and all that they mean for Israeli security, regional stability, US national security, and your broader foreign policy agenda - will be dealt yet another painful, and entirely preventable, body blow.

Jerusalem can be brought under control if Prime Minister Netanyahu has the political will to do so.  It is therefore imperative that the Prime Minister understand that you expect him to muster that political will.  It is imperative that he realize that from the perspective of the White House, actions that destabilize Jerusalem and undermine the peace process are not mere local matters, but matters that impact directly on the national security of the United States.   It is imperative, Mr. President, that Prime Minister Netanyahu understand that you, personally, care about what happens in Jerusalem, and that, as Israel's best friend and ally, you expect him to take your concerns seriously.


Sincerely,


          

Martin Bresler                       Debra DeLee
Chair                                    President & CEO