Amid condemnatory statements from staunch allies including Germany, Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat on Tuesday (6 Tishrei) addressed the recent government approval of 1,100 housing units in the southern Jerusalem neighborhood of Gilo.

The mayor explains that construction is the only way to address the critical housing crisis, questioning the validity of comments from critics, who he explains seem to feel that if Israel permits Arabs to build it is fine, but if construction is approved for Jews, there the outcry. Earlier in the week he stated that from his experience, US officials are unaware that construction in the capital has been approved in both sectors, not just for Jews, pointing out in the Arnona neighborhood, 1,000 housing units have been approved for Jews in addition to 1,500 for Arabs.

The mayor questioned the practicality of the American position, frowning on construction, asking if Israel is expected to simply stop construction forever while the housing shortage continues.

The mayor lamented the fact that the approval is limited and it does not meet the demand for housing, calling on the national government and district planning board to approve additional projects in the capital.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)