Israeli leader opens Jerusalem exhibit at UN
Netanyahu takes the opportunity to rebuke opponents
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu opened an exhibition on Jerusalem in New York Thursday to reinforce Israel’s claim to the historic city as the Jewish people’s “eternal capital” — and rebuke 125 countries that support Palestinian claims to East Jerusalem as the capital of their future state.
Netanyahu’s UN visit follows President Donald Trump’s recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital in December.
The UN General Assembly voted overwhelmingly soon afterward, denouncing the U.S. announcement and declaring Trump’s action “null and void.”
The Israeli-sponsored exhibition traces Jews in Jerusalem back centuries before the Christian era, and Netanyahu said it clearly shows the city’s long history “cherished” by Israelis and friends of the Jewish people and “friends of truth.”
This “is being denied by those seeking to erase the history of our people, our connection to our lands, and our connection to our eternal capital Jerusalem,” he said.
The Israeli leader noted a disclaimer sign at the entrance to the exhibition that says: “The content of this exhibit is solely the responsibility of the sponsors.
The holding of the exhibit in UN premises does not imply endorsement by the United Nations. Please direct any queries to the organizers.”
Hitting back at the UN, Netanyahu responded: “Of course it doesn’t represent the United Nations. It represents the truth, and we’ll continue to tell the truth and speak the truth everywhere, including the United Nations.”
“This exhibit would not have been possible 10 years ago,” he added. “And this exhibit will be unnecessary 10 years from now. We are changing the world. We are changing Israel’s position in the world, and above all we are making it clear that we fight for the truth and for our rights. We also fight for security.”
Among the items in the exhibition, titled “3,000 Years of Jews in Jerusalem,” are the Tel Dan Stela from 8-9th century BC, which has the first known historical evidence of King David from the Bible, and a seal with the Hebrew inscription “To Netanyahu son of Yaush” from the 7th century BC.
Netanyahu met with U.S. Ambassador Nikki Haley before viewing the exhibition and praised her strong support for Israel at the UN, saying: “We call her hurricane Haley.”
UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said the Israeli prime minister did not ask to meet with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
Netanyahu came to New York after meeting in Washington with Trump and leaders of Congress. He said most of his week in the U.S. capital was devoted to Iran.