The Prime Minister’s Office intervened at the last moment to save an illegal home in the Wadi Joz area of Arab eastern Jerusalem. Israel Police and the Jerusalem Municipality were ready to carry out the demolition order but the PM’s Office halted it amid concerns of raising tensions among Jerusalem Arabs ahead of Pesach.

Ynet reports the illegal home was constructed in 1992, on national park land. The courts ruled the Tutunji family of eleven could be ousted and the building destroyed.

Aref Tutunji is quoted telling Ynet that he was under pressure to speak out against Israel but he refused. He explains he was in an Israeli hospital for a year and his children receive state-funded education. Hence, he feels a sense of loyalty.

Ynet adds that an official points out the demolition will take place as it was postponed, not canceled.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)