The government recently released a statement denying reports that Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu has ordered another construction freeze. It was reported that the prime minister has caved into enormous white House pressure, resulting in another building freeze.

According to a Galei Tzahal (Army Radio) report on Monday, 4 Sivan 5773, the planned construction of 1,500 housing units in Jerusalem’s Ramat Shlomo (Reches Shuafat) neighborhood appears to be on hold despite statement to the contrary form the Prime Minister’s Office.

The project was approved the district planning board months ago pending approval of other agencies including the Interior Ministry. The request for the final okay was sent to the Interior Ministry weeks ago, but the approval has not been forthcoming. Galei Tzahal reported that the ministry received a directive from the Prime Minister’s Office not to give the final okay to permit construction. Interior Ministry officials blame the Israel Lands Administration and vice versa. Officials in the Prime Minister’s Office declined comment.

Former Housing Minister (Shas) MK Ariel Atias told Galei Tzahal there has been “a chronic freeze in place,” explaining from time-to-time the freeze was lifted to permit moving ahead with a small number of apartments.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)