Is Bethlehem in Jordan or Israel?

Bethlehem is a significant city in the West Bank, which is a disputed territory in the Middle East. It has a rich history and is particularly important for its religious and cultural significance. As an expert in Middle Eastern studies, I can provide a detailed analysis of the historical and political context surrounding the question of whether Bethlehem is in Jordan or Israel. Bethlehem has been under various forms of control throughout its history. It is known for being the birthplace of Jesus Christ according to Christian tradition, which makes it a major pilgrimage destination for Christians around the world. The city's importance is not only religious but also historical and cultural, as it has been a part of several civilizations and empires. Historical Context The control over Bethlehem has shifted multiple times due to its strategic location. During the time of the British Mandate for Palestine, which lasted from 1922 to 1948, Bethlehem was under British administration. After the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, also known as the War of Independence, the West Bank, including Bethlehem, was annexed by Jordan. This situation persisted until the Six-Day War in 1967. The Six-Day War and Aftermath The Six-Day War was a pivotal event in the history of the region. It began on June 5, 1967, and resulted in a rapid victory for Israel against a coalition of Arab states, which included Egypt, Jordan, and Syria. During this conflict, Israel captured a significant amount of territory, including the West Bank, the Golan Heights, the Sinai Peninsula, and the Gaza Strip. Consequently, Bethlehem fell under Israeli control. Following the war, there were various attempts to resolve the situation through diplomatic means. The Oslo Accords, signed in the 1990s, were a significant step towards peace in the region. The accords were a set of agreements between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and aimed to establish a framework for resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. As part of these agreements, in 1995, Israel handed over control of Bethlehem to the Palestinian National Authority (PNA). Current Status Since the Oslo Accords, Bethlehem has been administered by the PNA, although the broader status of the West Bank remains a subject of ongoing political and territorial disputes. The city is part of the Palestinian territories, and it is not considered to be within the borders of Israel or Jordan. The situation is complex, with various international actors and regional powers having interests and influence in the area. Conclusion In conclusion, based on the historical events and the current political situation, Bethlehem is not in Jordan or Israel but is located in the West Bank, which is under the administration of the Palestinian National Authority. It is important to recognize the historical, religious, and cultural significance of Bethlehem and to understand the complexity of the political landscape in which it exists.

Jordan retained control of the city until the Six-Day War in 1967, when Bethlehem was captured by Israel, along with the rest of the West Bank. Following the Six-Day War, Israel took control of the city. In 1995, Israel turned it over to the Palestinian National Authority in accordance with the Oslo peace accord.