Galei Tzahal (Army Radio) reported on Wednesday 12 Shevat that the delays in construction in areas of the capital are caused by Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and no one else. According to the report, members of the local planning board explain there is 1,500 dunams of land near Givat HaMatos in the southern capital that awaits final permits for three years.

Following bold announcements of renewed construction coinciding with the election of US President Donald Trump, many believed thousands of apartments are going to be built, but the anonymous city officials quoted by Army Radio insist the Prime Minister is still holding up the process.

The report adds that all the permits necessary were given three years ago for 600 apartments in Beit Tzefafa, but this project was held up due to the lack of progress on infrastructure which is under the jurisdiction of Housing Minister Yoav Galant. Just two weeks ago, PM Netanyahu told his cabinet members that he have removed all restrictions surrounding construction in eastern and southern Jerusalem.

Officials responding for Galant confirm the delay is the result of instructions from the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister’s Office did not wish to comment on the Galei Tzahal report.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)