Jerusalem City Hall fears that in elections for local community councils in Arab neighborhoods of the capital, Hamas-affiliated representatives will take control. As such, the decision was made not to hold elections in Beit Haninah, Wadi Joz and Abu Tor, but to appoint the community council instead.

City officials explain they are not opposed to democratic elections but they are unwilling to permit Hamas to establish a stronghold in those neighborhoods of the city.

It is pointed out that while elections were to have taken place four years ago in Beit Haninah, community leaders called on City Hall to cancel them, due to the same fear amid the realization of Hamas’ growing influence among residents of these areas.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)