Jerusalem mayor endorses Netanyahu for PM

Prime minister 'will continue to defend a united Jerusalem against all international pressures,' Nir Barkat says

By Gabe Fisher 21 January 2013, 3:47 pm
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (left) and Jerusalem mayor Nir Barkat on January 21, 2013. (photo credit: Miriam Alster/Flash90)

Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat on Monday endorsed Benjamin Netanyahu for prime minister.

“You and your government have strengthened Jerusalem in an unprecedented way and have brought growth and success to Jerusalem,” Barkat said at a joint appearance with Netanyahu at the Menachem Begin Heritage Center, opposite the Jerusalem Old City walls.

“I support you, and know you will continue to lead with pride. You will continue to defend a united Jerusalem against all international pressures. I also want to see you leading Israel during your next term [as prime minister].”

“We are obligated to guard Jerusalem,” Netanyahu said. “This is my city, this is our city. We will fight against international pressure and never divide it… we will continue to build [in Jerusalem] and in all of Israel.”

Supporters of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his Likud party unfurl large posters depicting Netanyahu reading “Only Netanyahu will protect Jerusalem” and “The borders of ’67 in front of you,” at the Old City walls, January 20, 2013. (Photo credit: Miriam Alster/FLASH90)

The Likud-Beytenu in the last few days has put up posters near the divide between what used to be Israeli- and Jordanian-held Jerusalem until 1967, to underline its assertion that only Netanyahu would thwart the redivision of the city in Israeli-Palestinian negotiations.

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