Controversy and politics as Trump arrives in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv
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DONALD Trump yesterday became the first sitting US president to visit the Western Wall in the disputed city of Jerusalem, placing his hand on one of the most sacred sites in Judaism.
The Western Wall is the holiest site where Jews can pray. Trump, wearing a black skullcap, paused in front of it, then placed what appeared to be a written prayer or note between its stones, as is custom.
He was not accompanied by any Israeli leaders. Security was tight, with the usually bustling Old City, where the Western Wall is located, essentially on lockdown and the plaza leading to the site cleared.
Trump’s daughter Ivanka, who converted to Judaism and is married to one of the president’s top aides, Jared Kushner, also visited the women’s side of the wall.
Under strict interpretation of Jewish law, men and women must pray separately there.
The Western Wall is the last remnant of the supporting wall of the second Jewish temple, built by King Herod and destroyed by the Romans in AD 70.
The visit there drew controversy before Trump even left Washington, when US officials declined to say whether it belonged to Israel.
The status of Jerusalem is ultra-sensitive and has been among the most difficult issues in Israeli-Palestinian peace talks.
Israel occupied east Jerusalem, where the Western Wall is located, and the West Bank in 1967 in moves never recognized by the international community.
It later annexed east Jerusalem and claims the entire city as its capital. The Palestinians see east Jerusalem as the capital of their future state.
The traditional US position has been that Jerusalem’s status must be negotiated between the two sides.
Trump got an abrupt Israeli welcome on his arrival in Tel Aviv yesterday, with ministers asking favors and snapping selfies as they sought to get a piece of the commander in chief’s attention.
Walking down the red carpet upon landing at Ben-Gurion International Airport, he was greeted by dignitaries exhibiting the blunt forwardness and informality for which Israelis are known.
Trump asked Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu what protocol was as they approached the dais before delivering their speeches. Netanyahu threw up his hands and replied: “Who knows?”
Politics surfaced minutes after Trump landed for his two-day visit to Israel and the Palestinian territories. Education Minister Naftali Bennett, head of the nationalist Jewish Home party, was among the first ministers to shake hands with Trump, and took the opportunity to insist the United States recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.
Trump promised to move the US Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem while campaigning for president last year. Since taking office he’s backed away from that promise, saying the issue needs more study. His response to Bennett was a curt “that’s a good one.”
Lawmaker Oren Hazan, a politician in Netanyahu’s Likud party with a reputation for inappropriate antics, gave Trump version of his own characteristically aggressive handshake. Hazen then whipped out a cell phone and took a selfie of the unamused-looking president. Netanyahu attempted, unsuccessfully, to swat Hazan’s arm away.
Likud politicians said after the incident that Hazan wasn’t invited to the welcome ceremony, and that he “caused a great embarrassment to Netanyahu.” A TV commentator called the scene “a disgrace.”
Israel captured east Jerusalem 50 years ago and claims the area — home to sensitive Jewish, Christian and Muslim holy sites — as part of its capital. The Palestinians also claim east Jerusalem as their capital and previous US administrations have said the area’s fate must be decided through negotiations.
Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan informed Trump of a possible attack in Tel Aviv that transpired while the president was airborne.
A car crashed into a crowd of pedestrians, injuring three people.
Before boarding the Marine One helicopter for Jerusalem, the premier’s wife, Sara Netanyahu, told first lady Melania Trump that they had a lot in common with the Trumps.
“The majority of people in Israel, unlike the media, they love us, so we tell them how you are great, and they love you,” Mrs Netanyahu said.
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