Another stumbling block for now, resulting in a delay in the National Planning Board giving final approval for the new Nachal I’ron chareidi community of Charish. Reports point to Ilan Sadeh, the head of the Menashe Regional Council, as the force behind Tuesday’s decision to postpone what was to have been the planning board convening to approve the city. Interior Minister Eli Yishai agreed to the postponement, announcing he remains hopeful that differences can be iron out in a gentlemanly fashion.

Protestors over recent weeks expressed their opposition to the city of 150,000 residents, insisting their argument is not with chareidim, but the fact that a major city is planned, a move they insist will destroy their community. Sadeh explains such a project would result in devastation, total destruction of the environment, stressing repeatedly his opposition is not at all related to the fact that the city is earmarked for a chareidi population.

Arab MK Jamal Zahalka expressed his opposition as well, telling the media that Housing Minister Atias’ plan will “choke the Arab community”. He also stated calls to Judiaze the Galil and the surrounding area are “racist”.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)