Refusing to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel until Arabs agree, makes the issue a hostage to Arab demands. Such capitulation is unfair and encourages Arab intransigence. Although previous US administrations have not been willing to change this biased policy, despite Congressional legislation recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, the US President and State Department have opposed such a decision, hoping to offer an incentive for a negotiated settlement. Instead, it has functioned as an obstacle to peace.Relying on a basic flaw in the Oslo Accords – leaving the issues of Jerusalem, refugees, “settlements” and borders for final negotiations – this wait-and-hope policy serves those who seek to force Israel to capitulate sooner or later.As long as resolving these important issues depends on Arab approval, it sends a clear message not only that they can hold out for their maximum position, but that they should. This contributes to an Arab mindset that as long as the international community backs them on these core issues, they will…

Read more: Jerusalem kidnapped – JPost – Opinion – Op-Eds.