800 housing units to be approved beyond Green Line
An additional 114 housing units in Arab neighborhoods in east Jerusalem are also expected to be approved, indicating that a green light may have been given by the Trump administration.
In addition to the construction of the aforementioned housing units beyond the Green Line, construction plans will be submitted for 114 housing units in the east Jerusalem neighborhoods of Jabel Mukaber, Ras al-Amud, Sharafat, Shuafat and A-Tur.
Already on Wednesday, the Planning and Building Committee approved 98 housing units in Ramat Shlomo and another 80 in Ramot, indicating a change in policy regarding construction in the Jewish neighborhoods beyond the Green Line.
During the Obama administration, any building permits that were approved caused a diplomatic crisis that would lead to a quiet freeze in construction. However, following President Trump's visit to Israel, it would appear that a green light has been given to ease construction.
This large number of housing units—which will be discussed by the committee—is being coordinated with political officials and indicates a continuation of the trend, in contrast to reports on the cessation of construction plans in Jerusalem.
Mayor of Jerusalem Nir Barkat issued a statement, saying, "Building in Jerusalem is necessary, important and will continue full strength in order to enable more young people to live in Jerusalem, build their future and strengthen the capital of Israel."
