Under the Oslo Agreement, the Palestinians agreed to defer the status of Jerusalem in exchange for an Israeli commitment to preserve the territorial integrity of the West Bank and Gaza. The Military Strategy Netanyahu has shrugged off world-wide condemnation, Church protests, and threats of violence by frustrated Palestinians. Total Jewish control of Jerusalem is more important than anything else - including peace, he has said repeatedly. According to Eric Margolis, a specialist in military fortifications, this is because Har Homa is part of a Jewish Maginot Line. The image of benign British suburban housing estates could not be further from the truth.
Narrow windows resembling pillbox embrasures face the enemy.
These fortress blocs have underground shelters, magazines, and independent water supplies. Their residents are armed and organised to defend the complexes. By slamming shut this last gate into Jerusalem, Israel sends Palestinians the brutally clear message that Israel alone will rule Jerusalem. In the various arguments about claims to the land it must be remembered that it is Israel that occupies Palestinian land, not Palestinians who occupy Israeli territory. Israel is a threat to the Palestinians, especially the Christian Palestinian community, not the other way round.