Sir, - I would like to correct some factual inaccuracies contained in Nabil Khalil's letter of October 2nd. Firstly, the Hasmonean tunnel that has caused so much controversy, and was indeed exploited by the Palestinians as an opportunity to resort to violence, does not, as stated, pass underneath the El Aqsa mosque. I know, as I visited the tunnel this week. It was built over 10 years ago with the full knowledge of Qaqf of Jerusalem. It in no way whatsoever changes the status quo of the city.
Secondly, the Israeli Army did not "forcibly enter" Orient House (mispelled "Oriental" House); this is a fabrication. Three members of the Knesset (MK) went to visit Orient House but when they asked Israeli Police to escort them inside, the police steadfastly refused to enter the building.
Thirdly, as a resident of Jerusalem for the past 10 months and an avid reader of the press, I have not been aware of any Israeli media war on Egypt. Quite the contrary: it is Egypt which over the past several years has boycotted Israel, both in the commercial and industrial arena as well as the intellectual and academic. Indeed, it is the Egyptian press - official and unofficial - that has been vehemently anti Israel and anti Semitic in recent years, often portraying Israelis as Judeo Nazis and the like.
And finally, whether or not Nabil Khalil recognises Jerusalem as the eternal capital of the State of Israel, making silly references to the new administration in Tel Aviv is not going to alter the fact that the Knesset is in reality situated in Jerusalem. Yours, etc,
King George Street,
Rehavia, Jerusalem