Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat on Monday endorsed Prime Minister Benjamin
Netanyahu for reelection. "You and your government have strengthened
Jerusalem in an unprecedented manner, and you have brought Jerusalem to
growth and prosperity," Barkat said at a joint appearance with Netanyahu at the Menachem Begin Heritage Center, opposite the Jerusalem Old City walls.
"I support you, I also want to see you leading Israel during your next term
[as prime minister]. I know you will continue to lead with pride and I know you will continue to
protect a united Jerusalem from all international pressures in a wise
and intelligent manner," Barkat added.
Netanyahu thanked Barkat for his
support, saying that "we are committed to protecting Jerusalem. This is
my city, this is our city. We are standing up to international pressures
and repelling them, and we will never allow it to be divided. We are
building in Jerusalem, and we will continue to build there and
throughout the entire State of Israel."