Post by : Naveen Mittal

Photo: X / WorldFaultlines

Rubio Visits Jerusalem Archaeological Site in Support of Israel

Introduction

U.S. Senator Marco Rubio visited Jerusalem’s City of David archaeological site, a move that has drawn strong reactions from both Israelis and Palestinians. His visit highlights the deep tensions surrounding Jerusalem’s ancient sites, which hold religious and political significance for Jews, Christians, and Muslims.

The Site and Its Importance

The City of David archaeological park lies just outside the Old City of Jerusalem in the Palestinian neighborhood of Silwan. It is believed to be the original location of King David’s ancient city.

Within the park is the famous “Pilgrim’s Road,” a stone pathway that dates back nearly 2,000 years. Historians say Jewish pilgrims once used this road to reach the Second Temple, the most important place of worship for Jews in that era. Rubio, speaking before leaving Washington, called it “one of the most important archaeological sites in the world.”

While Israelis see the site as proof of their deep historical roots in Jerusalem, Palestinians and critics argue the park erases their presence and history.

Political Tensions Surrounding the Visit

Jerusalem is a city claimed by both Israelis and Palestinians. For Jews, it is their historic and eternal capital. For Palestinians, East Jerusalem is the future capital of a hoped-for independent state.

In 2017, the United States under President Donald Trump recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and moved its embassy there from Tel Aviv. That decision broke with decades of U.S. policy, which had said Jerusalem’s status must be resolved through peace talks.

Rubio’s visit comes at a sensitive time. Several countries including Britain, France, Canada, Australia, and Belgium are expected to formally recognize a Palestinian state at the United Nations later this month. Israel strongly opposes such recognition, and Rubio has warned it would only push Israel to take more steps to block Palestinian statehood.

Reactions From Both Sides

Israeli officials welcomed Rubio’s visit. Though the office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not issue a statement, he personally accompanied Rubio and U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee to holy sites including the Western Wall and the underground tunnels near it.

Israeli groups such as the City of David Foundation defend the excavations, saying they are conducted by the Israel Antiquities Authority under strict professional standards. Ze’ev Orenstein, the foundation’s international affairs director, said the work meets “the highest standards.”

But Palestinians living in Silwan tell a different story. Residents say excavations are happening under their homes without consultation or consent. They fear cracks in walls, structural damage, and forced evictions.

Activist Fakhri Abu Diab from Silwan said, “These excavations are not transparent and they violate international law. Rubio’s visit gives Israel a green light for more settlement expansion, demolitions, and even ethnic cleansing.”

Role of Settler Groups

The City of David park is operated by Elad, a private settler group. Since the early 2000s, Elad has worked to acquire Palestinian homes in Silwan and move Jewish families into the area. Critics say this amounts to changing the character of the neighborhood, which has been home to Palestinians for centuries.

The United Nations released a report earlier this year noting that the site tells mainly a Jewish narrative. The report said it downplays or ignores the long history of Muslims, Christians, and other communities who also lived in the city.

History of Control Over Jerusalem

The struggle over Jerusalem’s holy and archaeological sites goes back to 1948 when Israel was founded. After the first Arab-Israeli war, Jordan took control of East Jerusalem and the Old City. Jews were barred from praying at their holy sites until the 1967 war, when Israel captured the eastern part of the city.

Since then, Israel has annexed East Jerusalem in a move not recognized by most of the world. It has pursued policies aimed at keeping a Jewish majority in the city, while Palestinians face restrictive building permits, home demolitions, and accusations of discrimination.

Rubio’s Statement and Stand

Rubio insisted that his visit was not just about politics. “I understand everything in this region is political to some extent,” he said. “But at the end of the day, it’s an extraordinary archaeological site.”

Still, his presence sends a clear political message. By touring the site and inaugurating parts of it, Rubio is showing strong U.S. support for Israel’s claim to Jerusalem. That support comes as Palestinians continue to demand their rights and recognition on the world stage.

The Larger Picture

The visit underscores how archaeology, religion, and politics are intertwined in Jerusalem. Every stone unearthed becomes part of the debate over history and ownership. For Israelis, the City of David proves their ancient ties to the land. For Palestinians, the excavations feel like another way to weaken their presence and push them out of the city.

Rubio’s tour may strengthen Israel’s narrative internationally, but it also deepens Palestinian fears of losing more land, homes, and heritage.

Conclusion

Senator Marco Rubio’s visit to Jerusalem’s City of David shows how history and politics remain inseparable in this region. While Israel presents the site as proof of its ancient heritage, Palestinians view it as part of ongoing efforts to erase their identity and rights.

As world leaders prepare to meet at the United Nations, the debate over recognition of a Palestinian state will continue. Rubio’s move demonstrates where U.S. political support currently stands—firmly with Israel—adding another layer to one of the world’s most complex conflicts.

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