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U.S. Criticizes Jerusalem Building Project on Mount of Olives

(Jerusalem Post) Tovah Lazaroff and Hilary Leila Krieger - The U.S. accused Israel on Wednesday of damaging the peace process when it approved the construction of four new buildings in eastern Jerusalem's Mount of Olives on Monday. "We have noted that these types of announcements and activity harm peace efforts," a U.S. State Department official told the Jerusalem Post. A source in the Prime Minister's Office said that in Jerusalem, just "like in every Israeli city, the planning and zoning regulations are the prerogative of the municipal government, and it requires no involvement of the Prime Minister's Office." Stephan Miller, spokesman for Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat, said that residential zoning for this area was approved in 1990, so Monday's decision was "nothing new." Another municipal spokesman added that this specific plan had received its first approvals in 2003. The approval of projects such as this, Miller said, was a normal move in the life of a growing city such as Jerusalem. He added that the land was privately owned. The Knesset is considering a measure that would establish a special authority to manage the Mount of Olives, sponsored by members from a wide range of coalition and opposition parties. "The Mount of Olives is the oldest Jewish cemetery in the world," the Knesset members wrote in their introduction to the proposed legislation. "It has been a national site for the Jewish people since the days of the First Temple and, in addition to serving as a preeminent historical site of great importance to the Jewish people, it is a holy site." Jerusalem city councilman Yair Gabai noted: "Just as the American administration will not prevent a person in Washington from building in his city based on race, skin color or religion, so we are sure that the Americans will maintain similar values and endorse construction in this project. Jews will continue building all around Jerusalem." (Ynet News) Dozens of decisions were passed at the meeting of the local committee for planning and construction in Jerusalem. Deputy Mayor Kobi Kahalon explained: "Whoever deserves to build must build, and no one can impose policy. At this meeting we also approved 20 plans for Arabs in eastern Jerusalem. We are not discussing political issues, and the issue is purely on substance." (Ha'aretz) See also The Mount of Olives in Jerusalem: Why Continued Israeli Control Is Vital - Nadav Shragai (ICA-Jerusalem Center)
2010-01-06 07:49:31
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