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Day After DNC ‘Jerusalem’ Controversy, State Dept. Still Refuses to Name Israel’s Capital

Sep. 6, 2012 9:18pm Jason Howerton

U.S. State Department Refuses to Call Jerusalem the Capital of Israel

(Photo: AP)

Even after the Democratic Party reinstated wording that mentions Jerusalem as the capital of Israel to “reflect” the views of President Obama at the Democratic National Convention Wednesday, the U.S. State Department again refused to name the capital of Israel on Thursday, citing a vague “administration policy” that says Israel and Palestine should resolve the issue through negotiations.

“Which city does the U.S. Government recognize as the capital in the – Israel?” a reporter asked State Department Press Secretary Patrick Ventrell.

“Well, as you know, longstanding Administration policy, both in this Administration and in previous administrations across both parties, is that the status of Jerusalem is an issue that should be resolved in final status negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians. So that’s longstanding Administration policy and continues to be so,” Ventrell replied.

The reporter was persistent but was unable to get any other response from him. White House Press Secretary Jay Carney also refused to name the capital of Israel in July and another State Department official had a similar exchange in March.

The State Department’s daily press briefing provides the full transcript of the uncomfortable exchange:

QUESTION: On Israel?

MR. VENTRELL: Yeah.

QUESTION: Which city does the U.S. Government recognize as the capital in the – Israel?

MR. VENTRELL: Well, as you know, longstanding Administration policy, both in this Administration and in previous administrations across both parties, is that the status of Jerusalem is an issue that should be resolved in final status negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians. So that’s longstanding Administration policy and continues to be so.

QUESTION: I mean, no city is recognized as a capital by the U.S. Government?

MR. VENTRELL: Again, I just stated our position, and it’s one we’ve said here many times before.

QUESTION: That means Jerusalem is not a part of Israel?

MR. VENTRELL: What it means is that the status of Jerusalem must be resolved in final status negotiations.

QUESTION: But you do have an Embassy in a city which is not Jerusalem.

MR. VENTRELL: Our Embassy is in Tel Aviv, and we have a Consulate General in Jerusalem.

QUESTION: Right. But I mean, if you have an Embassy, usually it’s in the capital; so therefore, it would appear that you believe that Tel Aviv is the capital.

MR. VENTRELL: What we believe is that the status of Jerusalem should be determined in final status negotiations between the two parties. And currently, our Embassy is in Tel Aviv.

QUESTION: Are there any other countries in the world where the U.S. doesn’t know what the capital is or won’t say what the capital of a country is?

QUESTION: What does the U.S. think the capital of Israel is? What do you –

MR. VENTRELL: As I’ve just said, we believe that the status of Jerusalem is an issue that should be resolved in final status –

QUESTION: I’m not asking you that question. I’m asking you what you think the capital is.

MR. VENTRELL: And my response is that Jerusalem is an issue that should be resolved in final status negotiations.

QUESTION: She didn’t ask about Jerusalem, though.

MR. VENTRELL: Look, this is something we’ve been through at this podium. Toria has been through it before. We’ve repeated it many times. You know that the position is. It hasn’t changed for decades.

QUESTION: Wait, I know that. And I don’t want to play the verbal game, I’m just very curious if you actually have a position about a capital of that country. And if you don’t, if – I just would like to hear you say you don’t.

MR. VENTRELL: Well, right now, Nicole –

QUESTION: Yes.

MR. VENTRELL: – the situation is that we have an Embassy in Tel Aviv that represents our interests with the Government of Israel but that the issue of Jerusalem is one that has to be resolved between the two parties. That’s all I can say on this.

(H/T: Weekly Standard)

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Comments (56)

Gertiek
Posted on September 7, 2012 at 2:00pm
I lived in Indonesia too, for 15 years. I knew the first time I laid eyes on obama he was not only a muslim, but cared nothing for this country. It is a hard concept to get across to so many who do not understand the ferocity with which they embrace their faith. As Americans, we do believe in everyone’s right to believe as they want to believe. He hates America. He has tried very hard to hide it, but the mask slips, and has been slipping more and more lately. I believe there are times when he has gotten over-confident, and allowed too much to show…like taking God and Jerusalem out of the DNC platform. Then, suddenly realizing he let too much slip, tried to slide it back into place. Sadly, too many keep giving him a pass. He is a dangerous man. I serve an awesome God, and while praying for our country, I will not sit on my hands waiting for mana to fall from the sky into my refrigerator. I believe I must go pick it up.

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- ECtech
  Posted on September 7, 2012 at 3:21pm
  Very interesting post.
  
  People with ‘common sense’ know the truth; but, that means you can pretty-much eliminate any liberals from understanding such things.
  
  They believe what they want to believe, despite any evidence to the contrary. Liberals lie to themselves SO MUCH, they actually end up believing their own lies AND nothing can sway them from their delusions.
  
  Report this comment
Arshloch
Posted on September 7, 2012 at 1:51pm
With billery’s hillary in charge, and an alinsky mind warp in place, why can anyone think ‘the truth will out’?

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nosharia
Posted on September 7, 2012 at 11:58am
Incredible! They put Jerusalem back in the DNC platform to placate the Jewish Delegates…then the next day they backpedal for the muslims. Do they realize we can READ?

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TheLiberalsAreComing
Posted on September 7, 2012 at 9:27am
In the eyes of our Communist White House, Israel is just as guilty as America is of – being great, a world leader, innovative,and above all, free.

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- JRook
  Posted on September 7, 2012 at 10:41am
  “Well, as you know, longstanding Administration policy, both in this Administration and in previous administrations across both parties, is that the status of Jerusalem is an issue that should be resolved in final status negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians.” Can we assume everyone here understands what this and previous Administrations mean??? So why would anyone state that maintaining that stance is somehow different now. Find a real issue people, one you actually understand beyond your read and interpretation of the bible.
  
  Report this comment
KINGRUDDY
Posted on September 7, 2012 at 8:30am
You Lie….
Wake up America!!!

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The-Obama-Romney-Ticket
Posted on September 6, 2012 at 11:58pm
QUESTION: On Israel?
MR. VENTRELL: Yeah.
QUESTION: Which city does the U.S. Government recognize as the capital in Israel?
MR. VENTRELL: Well, as you know, longstanding Administration policy, blah blah blah
QUESTION: I mean …
MR. VENTRELL: Again, I just stated our position, and it’s blah blah blah.
QUESTION: That means …
MR. VENTRELL: What it means is blah blah blah.
QUESTION: Right. But I mean …
MR. VENTRELL: What we believe is blah blah blah.
QUESTION: Are there any other …
MR. VENTRELL: As I’ve just said, we believe that blah blah blah
QUESTION: I’m not asking you that question …
MR. VENTRELL: And my response is that blah blah blah.
MR. VENTRELL: Look, this is something we’ve been through at this podium. Toria has been through it before. We’ve repeated it many times. You know that the position is. It hasn’t changed for decades.
QUESTION: Wait …
MR. VENTRELL: That’s all I can say on this.

The MOST transparent Administration ever!

*cymbal hit*

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- Raging_Waters
  Posted on September 7, 2012 at 1:15am
  He meant transparent to himself, not We The People. And Romney isn’t the same as Obuma, Romney isn’t hellbent on turning the U.S. into a 3rd-world country, he appreciates the Free-Market and Capitalism. Quit helping Obuma Divide and Conquer.
  
  Report this comment
valleyfever
Posted on September 6, 2012 at 11:52pm
The Israeli’s had better keep digging their bomb shelters. They’re gonna need them soon.

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- smokeyridgerunner
  Posted on September 7, 2012 at 12:53am
  You had better read your Bible, for 7 years they will be buring Russians and the kin of they South “Iran” nothing can live their and ships will sail by and they will see that nothing lives their. God do not have to say anything he will protect Isreal.
  
  Report this comment
- AnotherPaulian
  Posted on September 7, 2012 at 9:19am
  @smokeyridgerunner had better read his high school english book.
  
  Report this comment
Raging_Waters
Posted on September 6, 2012 at 11:30pm
The democrats are imploding. The Administration was so busy dividing the country, they forgot a good portion of their acquired base still believes in the God of Israel (yet still prefer to covet their neighbors’ weath, or desire amnesty for illegal immigrants..), and most likely don’t mind Jerusalem being officially recognized as the Capital of Israel… And then you have the Godless heathens, the Muslims, the anti-Semites, the LGBT’s, who aren’t so tolerant of God and/or Israel. Whoopsie!!

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Chancellor
Posted on September 6, 2012 at 11:28pm
Hey the current Administration can go to hades!!! They do not speak for me Jerusalem is the
Capital of Israel……..I bet Israel doens’t listen to the “Compulsive Liar” and his cast of clowns in DC either!

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blackyb
Posted on September 6, 2012 at 11:12pm
Hillary needs to man up and tell what is really going on. She can be protected. Then again, there is that Forrester matter. Something is keeping the whole of Congress quiet about who this Obama and thugs really are. I guess it is time for a new world. Are there are no heros who can do anything? Is that it? Obama and thugs and thugetts have (((viru(lated) (a new word I just coined))) this country and the Constitution and we need a vaccination for all people and the laws of this land. Of course we are going to have to go get the muslims so they can find it? I don’t think so. There will be no muslims where I am going.

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Dave In Arizona
Posted on September 6, 2012 at 11:02pm
Maybe the State Department needed to ask Valerie Jarrett first before answering.

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- blackyb
  Posted on September 6, 2012 at 11:13pm
  Yeah, the boy in the beads and pink lipstick should be able to say since she is running the country.
  
  Report this comment
TheCalmOne
Posted on September 6, 2012 at 10:16pm
I don’t get it either. Why is it so important to Americans where Israel’s capital is?

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- sparkyrules
  Posted on September 6, 2012 at 10:41pm
  Because Israel is our greatest ALLY in the general area of miscreants called the Mideast .Do you know what that word means?Israel is the Stronghold of FREE People in the Mideast.Jesus HIMSELF walked that land.Jerusalem is the Holy City.Its not to be protected by weak people,or those who will destroy it .
  Christ was a Jew and therefore his terrific chosen people have an OBLIGATION to defend this very special place from evil influence.I love the people of Israel.STRONG and TOUGH,just like the USA.
  
  Report this comment
- TheCalmOne
  Posted on September 7, 2012 at 3:31am
  “Because Israel is our greatest ALLY in the general area of miscreants called the Mideast .Do you know what that word means?”
  
  Why yes, I do. English is my first language, and it’s not an uncommon word.
  
  “Israel is the Stronghold of FREE People in the Mideast.Jesus HIMSELF walked that land.Jerusalem is the Holy City.Its not to be protected by weak people,or those who will destroy it .
  Christ was a Jew and therefore his terrific chosen people have an OBLIGATION to defend this very special place from evil influence.I love the people of Israel.STRONG and TOUGH,just like the USA.”
  
  Sorry, but you still haven’t answered the question. What does it matter to the location of the capital that Israel is the most important ally of the USA in the Middle East? You seem to be implying that Israel’s capability as an ally would be somehow enhanced if the capital was moved to Jerusalem. Is that what you are saying?
  
  Report this comment
- Pray_For_Us_All
  Posted on September 7, 2012 at 1:49pm
  @THECALMONE
  
  It is important to the United States because the bible tells us to support Israel. Jerusalem is the capital of Isreal. The Palestinians want to take it from Israel because they feel it is their most holiest of places. It all depends on your beliefs as to who Jerusalem belongs to. I am a Christian therefore I follow the bible, not the koran. All the questions that you have about Jersalem can be found in the bible and the koran. So my question to you is are you for a religon of tolerance, peace, love, and freedom or for a religon of hate, intolerance, violence, suppresion, and vengence? You can make your own assumptions as to which is which. I will pray that GOD shows you the answer.
  
  Report this comment
fmadsen
Posted on September 6, 2012 at 10:13pm
The Jerusalem Embassy Act of 1995 is a public law of the United States passed by the 104th Congress on October 23, 1995. It funded the relocation of the Embassy of the United States in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. The act also recognized Jerusalem as the capital of the State of Israel.

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- Want our country back
  Posted on September 6, 2012 at 10:17pm
  Please ask every Jewish people you know HOW they could possibly vote for this person.
  
  Report this comment
marybethelizabeth
Posted on September 6, 2012 at 10:07pm
End Times Prophecy is not Biblical. It’s heretical.

Jerusalem does not have to be the capital of Israel for the new Temple to be built and your sick dreams of end times to not be fulfilled

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- kansas hawks 3
  Posted on September 6, 2012 at 11:05pm
  Go back and stick your head in the toilet with the $hit because that is where you belong. You have to be the most ungodly person.
  
  Report this comment
- fixer
  Posted on September 7, 2012 at 9:31am
  soon mary elezabeth ,you will need to go into hiding because we are gonna take our country back and you will need to leave.
  
  Report this comment
SidneyDave
Posted on September 6, 2012 at 9:54pm
Mr. Ventrell should check with Wikipedia. It list Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. Has he checked with the Dept. of Education to see what they are telling our children in geography class what is the capital of Israel. Maybe Israel could tell him what city they call their capital. Obama’s gang wants Israel to just go away like all the Muslim countries want.

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- decendentof56
  Posted on September 6, 2012 at 10:09pm
  Wait a minute…wait a minute! Debbie Wasserman Shultz said yesterday that our committment to Israel is not in question and we were a staunch allie of Israel and…if I remember, may have said that Jerusalem was the capitol.
  
  Report this comment
- American Soldier (Separated)
  Posted on September 6, 2012 at 10:18pm
  Then who cares what this or any Administration says if that’s what Wikipedia says?
  
  Report this comment
sparkyrules
Posted on September 6, 2012 at 9:54pm
The USA people will ALWAYS have ISRAEL’S Back.Romney/Ryan 2012!

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- glassbeadlady
  Posted on September 6, 2012 at 10:27pm
  Amen! R&R 2012!
  
  Report this comment
Mr.Fitnah
Posted on September 6, 2012 at 9:48pm
The flag of Islam flies over the Whitehouse.

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- sillyfreshness
  Posted on September 6, 2012 at 9:55pm
  Who cares about Israel? The “chosen people” control everything in this country (media, Hollywood, Wall Street, etc). I’m sure God will help them out since they are “chosen” so they don’t need our help.
  
  Report this comment
- chips1
  Posted on September 6, 2012 at 10:18pm
  Speaking of flies, has Obama eaten one lately? Just wondering.
  
  Report this comment
- Pray_For_Us_All
  Posted on September 7, 2012 at 1:56pm
  @Sillyfreshness
  
  I feel so sorry for people like you. So full of hate and crap. Your ignorance is your downfall. Who cares about the Middle East that yurns for the destruction of another nation (Israel). You don’t see Israel wanting to destroy anyone. And yet you are so easily blinded and deceived by evil. I will pray that your ignorance is short lived.
  
  Report this comment
sparkyrules
Posted on September 6, 2012 at 9:45pm
What a SAD state of affairs.And a SAD State Department.This article go’s to show anybody with a lick of sense,who cares,that Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is UNFIT to represent The USA in that title.Any one who wouldn’t tell the Chinese VP to smartly kiss her hind end after what they said about her is weak.

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Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
Posted on September 6, 2012 at 9:43pm
Nothing has changed with the administration; war is coming in the Middle East and Obama will stand against Israel when it does.

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- YellowFin
  Posted on September 6, 2012 at 9:55pm
  I may be ignorant here, not being a political man, but why is it up to the United States to decide where the capital of Israel is? What does Israel say about their capital’s location?
  I don’t get it.
  
  Report this comment
- MAX0O1
  Posted on September 6, 2012 at 10:08pm
  YELLOWFIN you have shown your ignorance. JERUSALEM IS THE CAPITAL OF ISRAEL.
  THE US ISLAMIC State Department is once again showing THEIR HATE OF ISRAEL.aANYONE
  who does not get it has their head BURIED IN THE GROUND with their NETHER PARTS STUCK
  IN THE AIR!!!!!!!
  
  Report this comment
- DEMOCRATS.ARE.EVIL
  Posted on September 6, 2012 at 10:14pm
  YELLOWFIN – Israel claims Jerusalem as it’s rightful capital, but Muslims don’t like that because they think they own it, so liberals have been trying to bully Israel into moving the capital to Tel Aviv for decades in order to placate their Muslim friends.
  
  Report this comment
- YellowFin
  Posted on September 6, 2012 at 10:24pm
  Thank you DEMOCRATS.ARE.EVIL for your courteous answer.
  
  I guess according to Max001 there is no room here to admit ignorance on a subject.
  
  Report this comment
- DEMOCRATS.ARE.EVIL
  Posted on September 7, 2012 at 7:52am
  YELLOWFIN – he had no call to be so rude.
  
  Report this comment
feelintheheat
Posted on September 6, 2012 at 9:37pm
Seems like no one want to be responsible for anything of importance because it could make them un electable

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- Exrepublisheep
  Posted on September 6, 2012 at 10:49pm
  There you go.
  
  Report this comment
dealer@678
Posted on September 6, 2012 at 9:35pm
These Democrats are spitting in the face of God and i wonder if they even know it

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- DEMOCRATS.ARE.EVIL
  Posted on September 6, 2012 at 10:15pm
  They don’t believe, so they don’t care.
  
  Report this comment
- Exrepublisheep
  Posted on September 6, 2012 at 10:52pm
  @DEALER@678. You’re being ridiculous. Hysterical even. Right up there with “If Obama wins it means a 1,000 years of darkness”.
  
  Report this comment
- Pray_For_Us_All
  Posted on September 7, 2012 at 2:04pm
  @EXREPUBLISHEEP
  
  So sad that you don’t see things for what they are. You are the nonbeliever that is on the wrong news website. Fortunately for you, you live in a country that allows you to express your opinions. And to your ignorance, this country is that way because it was founded under the laws of my CHRISTIAN GOD. To bad you don’t live in a country that would bury you for your ignorance. I’ll pray that one day you find your lost soul.
  
  Report this comment
thibx
Posted on September 6, 2012 at 9:33pm
this president is the one who has left jerusalem out of platform. he wants to divide jerusalem and give it to palastine and will try his best if relected. he will not defend israel. he hates jews and israel and God that is the teaching of wright he was there 20 years. but he loves queers.

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americansfightingforcommonsense
Posted on September 6, 2012 at 9:33pm
These are not the droids that you are looking for. Move along, move along, nothing to see here.

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KangarooJack
Posted on September 6, 2012 at 9:25pm
They will still vote for Obama. They won’t even know why. Like lemmings……..

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dave88
Posted on September 6, 2012 at 9:24pm
There is no question that Obama hates Israel.

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- Magyar
  Posted on September 6, 2012 at 10:27pm
  Nor any doubt that Obama is a Muslim!
  
  I lived in Indonesia and know this–If you’re adopted by a Muslim and bare your a$$ 5 times a day–You’re a damn Muslim!…make no mistake!!!!
  
  Report this comment

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