Timed to coincide with the release of 26 Arab terrorists by Israel, the government has given a green light for the construction of 1,500 apartments in Ramat Shlomo, Gila, Givat Ze’ev, Maale Adumim, Givat Ze’ev and other areas, including the Jordan Valley and the Shomron. Communities in Shomron include the communities of Eli Zahav, Shilo, Yakir, Talmon, Har Bracha, Ofra, and Beit El.

It is also being reported that Interior Minister Gideon Saar has been discussing advancing future construction plans as well, including the Merkaz Kedem project, a tourist center, archeological attraction and parking lot in the area of the Givati parking lot near the entrance to Ir David in addition to moving ahead with the national park in the Mt. Scopus area of the capital – the construction of a major national park east of the Mt. Scopus Hebrew U campus. The latter will include a nature reserve, as well as bicycle and walking lanes.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)