21st Century Jerusalem

In the 21st century, Israel made peace with Egypt but was only able to maintain a temporary peace with Lebanon due to a change in the rulers, and was not able to convince Syria to make peace. Regardless, Israel's efforts of peace and its lack of acting on terrorist attacks were noticed and appreciated throughout the Western World. Specifically, they were encouraged by the United States. In the year 2000, Israel withdraws from southern Lebanon, which is shortly followed by Ariel Sharon's strolling around the Temple Mount and the subsequent Second Intifada. September 11, 2001 changed everything as the U.S., a huge supporter of Israeli peace and the most powerful country in the world, responded to terrorist attacks by practically wiping out two countries. After this reaction, Israel stated that if they were bombed or attacked, they would react in a similar manner. In 2002, Israel began construction on the West Bank Barrier, a barrier not officially recognized by the 1947 UN boundary, but based on the 1992 boundary.

Israelis argue that the Western Wall is necessary to keep dangerous Palestinians from coming across. The Palestinians argue that the wall promotes segregation and is incredibly inconvenient for those who work or have daily activities on the other side of the wall. In 2004, Yassar Araft dies and in 2006 Hamas defeats Fatah (Arafat's group) in the Palestinian Elections. Hamas does not know how to rule and is very prone to picking fights with the Israelis. No countries want to see Hamas as a legitimate government so they receive no foreign aid and are completely blocked out of Israel. In 2007 the "Palestinian Civil War" occurs as Hamas takes control of the Gaza and Fatah controls the West Bank. In 2010, Israel announces new housing settlements in East Jerusalem, Palestine's area. The future of Jerusalem is largely unpredictable. Many hope for peace, some claim its impossible. Many say it will become an actual international city, while others claim that a two or three-state solution is coming.