Legally and practically, it’s complicated. Israel claims Jerusalem as its unified, eternal capital. It controls the entire city, runs the police, and collects the taxes. Palestine claims East Jerusalem as its future capital. So, right now, the actual answer is: depends on who you ask. It’s like asking if a hot dog is a sandwich—everyone has a strong opinion, and no one is changing their mind.
The United Nations didn’t pick a side. Most countries keep their embassies in Tel Aviv to avoid stepping on the landmine that is this question. The U.S. moved its embassy to Jerusalem in 2018, which was like throwing a lit match into a firework factory. Boom. Everyone had an opinion.
A Quick History Lesson (The Fun Kind)
Think of Jerusalem as the world’s most contested apartment. David moved in first, then Solomon built a really nice temple. Then the Babylonians evicted everyone. Then the Persians let them back in. Then the Romans came, changed the locks, and renamed it Aelia Capitolina. The Byzantines redecorated, then the Muslims built a dome. Then the Crusaders showed up with swords and bad attitudes.
The Ottomans had it for 400 years—long enough to put in some nice tiles. Then the British took over after World War I, like a tired landlord who didn’t read the tenant agreement. In 1947, the UN said, “Let’s make it an international city, owned by nobody.” Spoiler alert: That plan worked as well as a chocolate teapot.
War broke out in 1948. Jordan grabbed East Jerusalem; Israel grabbed West Jerusalem. Then in 1967, Israel took the whole thing. And that’s where we are today. So, the country? Israel runs it. But about 350,000 Palestinians live in the eastern part, and they don’t love that arrangement.
Jerusalem - Trade, Tourism, Religion | Britannica
