Jerusalem

The extraterritorial status of the special religious zone in Jerusalem is proposed as a mechanism for resolving the centuries-old conflict between religious and national communities claiming control over the holy sites. The designated zone includes the Old City of Jerusalem, the Temple Mount, the Mount of Olives, Mount Zion, the Garden of Gethsemane, and the Church of the Assumption – an area where the key holy sites of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam are concentrated.

For centuries, control over these sites has been a cause of armed conflicts, religious wars, and international crises. In the modern world, characterized by the advancement of humanistic ideals, dialogue, and supranational cooperation (including examples of successfully overcoming historical enmities, as seen in the case of the European Union), the extraterritorial approach is viewed as a way to ensure neutrality and fair access for all sides. Considering the fatigue from the conflict, the absence of a clear victory, and the growing willingness to compromise, international governance of this territory through a specialized Council, comprising religious and political representatives, may contribute to stabilizing the situation and reducing tensions in the region.

The project of establishing international governance over the holy sites of Jerusalem may become a historic compromise if developed with due regard for realities on the ground, the sensitivities of all parties, and broader global interests. Below is the proposed structure of the comprehensive solution.

Geography of the International Zone

The territory under international governance includes:

• The Old City of Jerusalem (in its entirety)
• The Temple Mount / Al-Haram al-Sharif
• The Mount of Olives (including the cemetery)
• Mount Zion (including the traditionally identified Tomb of David)
• The Garden of Gethsemane and the Church of All Nations
• The Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary

Note on the Temple Mount

Although the Temple Mount is geographically located within the Old City of Jerusalem, under the Metatron Project, it is designated as a separate element of the international zone due to its exceptional religious, political, and jurisdictional significance. This site is sacred simultaneously to Judaism (the location of the First and Second Temples), Islam (Al-Haram al-Sharif, the third holiest site in Islam), and holds importance in Christian tradition. The Jordanian Waqf manages the Temple Mount under a unique arrangement distinct from the rest of the Old City. Due to its extreme sensitivity and the risk of escalation, the Temple Mount requires a separate multilateral coordination and security mechanism within the framework of the International Council of Custodians (ICCJ).

In addition, the Jerusalem International Zone should include the following significant sites:

Site / Area	Reason for Inclusion
Jerusalem Panorama Hotel	Panoramic view of the holy sites, logistical importance, neutral reception area, located at the intersection of key zones
Church of All Nations	Part of the Garden of Gethsemane serves pilgrims from around the world
Church of St. Mary Magdalene	A prominent landmark on the Mount of Olives, a center of Orthodox Christian pilgrimage
Kidron Valley	A buffer zone managed by the Jordanian Waqf, containing important religious tombs
Lions’ Gate and the Road to Via Dolorosa	Main entrance for Muslim and Christian pilgrims, a sensitive area requiring neutralization
Broad access corridor from Mount Zion through Jaffa Gate to the Temple Mount	Critical for logistics, pilgrimage routes, and symbolic continuity

Governance Model

To ensure effective management of the special religious zone, it is proposed to establish the International Council for the Custodians of Jerusalem (ICCJ).

Proposed composition:

• United Nations (UNESCO & Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs) – oversight and coordination
• Jordan – officially recognized by Israel as the custodian of Islamic holy sites
• Palestinian Authority – representing the Muslim population
• Israel, as the current administrator and guarantor of access
• Waqf – continuing to manage the Islamic holy sites
• Council of Christian Churches – including the Greek Orthodox, Latin (Catholic), Armenian, and Coptic Churches
• Chief Rabbinate of Israel and the representation of Jewish communities worldwide

All decisions are to be made based on consensus or a qualified majority (for example, 5 out of 7 members).

Principles of Governance

• Neutrality: The territory is outside the political sovereignty of either Israel or Palestine
• Status Quo: Preservation of the current rules governing access to and management of the holy sites
• Free Access: Guaranteed access for pilgrims of all religions
• Ban on Political Activities and National Flags: Political demonstrations and the display of national symbols are prohibited within the zone
• Moratorium on New Construction and Archaeological Excavations: No new construction or excavations are permitted without the collective approval of the ICCJ

Security

• Security Model: An international security service (Jerusalem Peace Guard) operating under the auspices of the United Nations (potentially through UNTSO), with participation from both Israeli and Jordanian police forces
• Joint Patrols: Mixed patrol units comprising representatives of all parties
• Cyber and Video Surveillance: Full real-time monitoring of the entire territory
• Security Coordination Center: An operational headquarters with equal representation from all sides
• Key Principle: Unilateral use of force is prohibited without a mandate from the ICCJ

Mechanisms of Restraint and Balance

• Interdependence. Any violation of the balance (such as blocking access, acts of aggression, or propaganda) will automatically trigger sanctions, including suspension of participation in the ICCJ, restrictions on funding for the holy sites, and international condemnation.
• Access Guarantees. Each party commits to guaranteeing access for others. Any violation will automatically trigger international intervention.
• International Guarantees. The agreement must be endorsed by:
  • The United Nations Security Council
  • The League of Arab States
  • The European Union
  • The United States, Iran, Turkey, the Vatican, and other key countries

Legal Framework

• A multilateral international treaty establishing the neutral status of the zone
• An implementation protocol approved by the United Nations and the parties to the conflict
• A non-aggression pact regarding the international zone, with sanctions for violations

Precedents

• Vatican City (State of Vatican City)
  • A sovereign state, established under the Lateran Treaty (1929), with Italy guaranteeing the territorial integrity of the Vatican
  • The Vatican is a highly unique religious territory with full independence and internationally recognized status as a neutral and non-militarized zone

• Mecca and Medina (Saudi Arabia)
  • Formally part of Saudi Arabia
  • Governed by a distinct religious institution
  • Access for non-Muslims is prohibited, as sovereignty is limited by religious norms

• Antarctica
  • The territory does not belong to any state
  • Military activity is prohibited
  • It is used exclusively for peaceful and scientific purposes
  • It is managed through a system of international agreements

• Panmunjom (A demilitarized area between North and South Korea)
  • A small territory not fully controlled by either side
  • Used as a site for negotiations between the two opposing parties
  • Monitored by international forces

Thus, such precedents do exist, although each is unique. The Jerusalem International Zone would represent a hybrid model, combining elements of:

• The Vatican (religious significance and neutrality)
• Antarctica (international governance)
• Panmunjom (hostility management and peace zone)

Implementation Stages

• Negotiation Roadmap: 12–18 months
• Transition Period (3–5 years): Gradual transfer of functions and joint administration
• Full Transfer of Authority to the ICCJ: Upon completion of international verification (monitoring and compliance with agreements)