Netanyahu 'provocatively' asserts Jerusalem as Israel's eternal capital

The Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, reiterated on Wednesday that Jerusalem will forever remain the undivided and eternal capital of Israel, amidst reports of provocative activities in the city. Netanyahu declared this during a period of heightened tension marked by the annual flag march, which Palestinian sources describe as a provocation. He emphasized that past enemies had attempted to erase Israel from the map and claimed that groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran continue to pursue that goal today. His government plans to foster Jerusalem's prosperity through various development initiatives.

In response to the flag march, hundreds of settlers gathered at Damascus Gate in the Old City of Jerusalem, entering with Israeli flags and holding boisterous celebrations. Israeli forces had earlier closed off streets and set up barricades, restricting movement and transforming the city and its Old City into a virtual military fortress under the pretext of securing the march, as stated by Palestinian news sources.

The Governorate of Jerusalem condemned the flag march as an assault on the status quo of the occupied city, continuing Israel's efforts to Judaize it. The Governorate also accused Israel of using the ongoing aggression in Gaza as an opportunity to advance the Judaization of Jerusalem.