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One of the questions that I don't think has been answered is whether or not the PA still exists. If it does Bethlehem is Palestinian not Israeli. And the question of Israeli jurisdiction seems to be the problem in the negotiations that have been taking place. Had Israel made a formal declaration of war, then all bets are off, but because they didn't -- and it was very wise that they didn't -- I think they stand in a very gray place in terms of international law. Of course, as someone once said, "My jurisdiction is determined by the size of my gun."

This is the oldest Christian Church in constant use in the Holy Land. Even the Persians left it standing because of its connection with the Magi who were widely believed to be Persian. The IDF filling this Church where Christ was born, filling it with noise, screaches -- it is a blasphemy just like the bearing of arms inside the Church by the Palestinians.