Netanyahu at US Embassy opening: ‘We are in Jerusalem and we are here to stay’

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu celebrated the opening of the new U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem on Monday, saying that Israelis are “here to stay” in the ancient city. 

“We are in Jerusalem and we are here to stay,” Netanyahu said at a ceremony commemorating the event. “We are here in Jerusalem protected by the brave soldiers of the army of Israel.”

{mosads}”And our brave soldiers are protecting the borders of Israel as we speak today. We salute them all,” he continued. 

Netanyahu’s remarks came as Palestinians protested on the border with the Gaza Strip. 

At least 41 people were killed in the demonstrations, while over 1,700 people were injured. 

ABC News reported that the majority of the deaths were a result of Israeli rifle fire. 

The opening of the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem is seen as a victory for the Israeli government and a fulfillment of one of President Trump’s campaign promises. 

However, the move has been condemned by Palestinians and various members of the international community. 

Palestinians view East Jerusalem as the capital of a future state, while the international community has traditionally viewed Tel Aviv is the capital of Israel.