Knesset opposes division of Jerusalem

JERUSALEM, Nov. 14 (UPI) -- A preliminary ruling opposing the division of Jerusalem into Israeli and Palestinian sectors passed the Knesset by a large majority Wednesday.

The bill, initiated by Likud chairman Gideon Sa'ar, declares Jerusalem is the capital of Israel and any changes need an 80 person majority in the Knesset to proceed -- up from the current threshold of 61 -- Ynetnews reported Wednesday.

The bill comes amid preparations for a peace conference in Annapolis, Md., later this month to discuss settling the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Sa'ar said the vote signifies the "widespread unity among the Israeli people and Knesset against making sacrifices in Jerusalem."

Some Knesset members did not share Sa'ar's sentiments. Parliamentarian Mohammad Barakeh opposed Sa'ar's sentiments, saying, "The people in Israel should know the sole truth, which is that occupied east Jerusalem is the capital of Palestine."