Now that the Supreme Court has told a 12-year-old boy that “Jerusalem, Israel” cannot be written as his birthplace on his American passport because the United States considers the united city “disputed” territory, the State Dept. has gone one step further and cannot pinpoint the capital of Israel.
The United States and the Palestinian Authority share the same policy that does not recognize Israeli sovereignty over the Old City of Jerusalem, including the Temple Mount and the Western Wall, as well as suburban neighborhoods in the north, east and southern areas of the city.
The Supreme Court decision on Monday upheld the Executive Branch’s power to determine foreign policy despite a Congressional law recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.
The Obama administration, like its predecessors, does not recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital even though all government offices are located in “western” Jerusalem, whose sovereignty by Israel never has been explicitly questioned by the United States or even the United Nations.
However, it is implicitly questioned.
By not recognizing “western Jerusalem” as the capital of Israel, the American foreign policy casts doubt on Israel sovereignty.
Associated Press journalist Matt Lee asked State Dept. spokesman Jeff Rathke Monday afternoon:
Can you remind us all what city – or what the United States regards as the capital of Israel?
Rathke never answered the question. This not the first time that the State Dept. has performed a song and dance to get around stating if Israel really has a capital and if so, where it is. For example, see here and click here.
But the Supreme Court on Monday decision magnifies the absurdity of U.S. policy that leaves Jerusalem in limbo.
Rathke said:
Since Israel’s founding, administrations of both parties have maintained a consistent policy of recognizing no state as having sovereignty over Jerusalem.
But what about West Jerusalem?
Rathke:
Again, no change to our policy to announce.
But what about West Jerusalem?
Rathke:
Again, Matt, I’ve got no change to our policy to announce.
But what about West Jerusalem?
Rathke:
Our consistent policy is we recognize no state as having sovereignty over Jerusalem.
All of Jerusalem?
Rathke: I don’t have a – I didn’t put a modifier in front it.
Rathke’s song and dance begins at 2:20 in the video here.