Jerusalem Mayor: 'We won't apologize for construction in Jerusalem'

Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat addressed the White House statement that continuing to build in Jerusalem "poisons the atmosphere" and said that "the construction in Jerusalem is not poisonous or damaging, but rather necessary, important and will continue with full force".

I will not cooperate with the building freeze against Jewish people in the capital of Israel. Discrimination based on religion, race and sex is illegal – not in the US and not in any other enlightened country. The apartments in which we authorized almost two years ago will allow more young people to live in Jerusalem and plan their future in it which is essential for the city's rejuvination. We will not apologize for that," Barkat added.