Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said: “Jerusalem is not a settlement; Jerusalem is the capital of the State of Israel. Israel has never accepted upon itself restrictions of any kind on construction in Jerusalem, which has approximately 800,000 residents, including during the ten months in which construction was suspended in Judea and Samaria. Israel sees no connection between the diplomatic process and planning and building policy in Jerusalem, which has not changed in 40 years. All Israeli governments in the past 40 years have built in all parts of the city. During this period, peace agreements were signed with Egypt and Jordan, and for 17 years, diplomatic negotiations have been conducted with the Palestinians. These are historical facts. Construction in Jerusalem has never hindered the peace process.”

God says: “But now I have chosen Jerusalem for my Name to be there.” … “I will defend this city and save it, for my sake and for the sake of David my servant.” … “Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me.” … “If I forget you, O Jerusalem, my right hand forget is skill. May my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth if I do not remember you, if I do no consider Jerusalem my highest joy.” [II Chronicles 6:6, II Kings 19:34, Isaiah 49:15-16, Psalm 137:5-6].

The Jerusalem Connection says: Sadly, President Obama’s policy regarding Israel and the Palestinians is based on revisionist’s history – the myth that Israel, including Jerusalem, has no Biblical roots in antiquity. The Scriptures beg to differ. The God of Israel has declared by an everlasting and irrevocable covenant to whom this land is bequeathed – namely the descendants of Abraham through Isaac. Whatever concessions the Obama administration imposes on Israel will only be temporary at best. Not only does God have the first Word on this issue, He will have the last and final Word. The wise will side with God on this issue or they will meet their demise. We, and our leaders, would do well to follow God’s admonition to Joshua, “Do not let this book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be carful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful … for Yahweh your God will be with you wherever you go.” [Joshua 1:8].