President Nicolas Sarkozy has told Israel in his state visit that there will be no Middle East peace without ceding sovereignty over some parts of Jerusalem. Speaking to the legislature, Sarkozy also called Israel to stop settlements in the West Bank, tempering his message by assuring Israel France would back the halting of Iran’s nuclear program. Reactions were less enthusiastic than his opening, which praised Israel’s democracy and quoted a biblical passage where God promises the Holy Land to the children of Israel. Sarkozy’s visit includes talks with Israeli and Palestinian leaders, a visit to Bethlehem and a meeting with the parents of an Israeli soldier (who holds French citizenship) held by Palestinian militants.
