The widespread condemnations from world leaders regarding announced construction plans in Yerushalayim are not unexpected, yet they will impact realities in the capital and the nation.

As has become customary, state leaders make announcements but the euphoria surrounding them is short-lived, followed by apologies, explanations and clarifications. This latest announcement was no exception.

After completing his meetings with state leaders, prior to leaving Jerusalem for Ramallah, US Vice President Joe Biden heard the breaking news in Israel on Tuesday regarding planned construction. The announcement came from the Jerusalem District Planning Board, approving 1,600 housing units in Ramat Shlomo, also known by some as Reches Shuafat. This community, like other chareidi areas, is bursting at the seams – badly in need of additional construction to accommodate the vibrant population growth.

Responding on cue, PA (Palestinian Authority) officials threatened to abandon their latest commitment to return to the negotiating table, albeit to indirect sessions limited to four months and mediated by US officials. The PA maximized the opportunity, using the announced construction plans to increase pressure against Israel and seeking to sabotage plans to build in areas of the capital viewed as “Israeli occupied” by the international community. Egypt also joined in, using the announced planning board decision to earn points with the White House.

The Americans released the standard condemnatory message, with White House spokesman Robert Gibbs told the press that President Barak Obama’s position on “settlements” in known to both the Israelis and Palestinians.

Gibbs added “The United States condemns the decision”, making the administration’s position extremely clear.

US officials add that this type of announcement is exactly the type of statements the White House feels must be avoided as the sides must engage in confidence-building measures, and not the opposite.

Despite Israel declaring the liberated areas of the Holy Capital integral portions of the Jewish city, the international community prefers to view the Kosel and many neighborhoods in Yerushalayim as “occupied” with American leaders stressing the status of Yerushalayim must be determined in the final status talks between Israel and the PA, stating the issues are indeed crucial.

The Israeli left is having a field day with the announced buildings plans, condemning the lack of political couth and sensitivity; opting to release the declaration during the vice presidential visit, a embarrassing Mr. Biden. Prominent representatives of the left-wing community explain “undoubtedly the timing of the statement is not coincidental” and it serves to harm’s Israel’s position in the international community, not to mention with its strongest ally, the United States. Galei Tzahal (Army Radio) and state-run Reshet Bet brought an array of political experts to give their analysis, explaining in-depth the poor timing and the resulting political fallout, further isolating Israel in the international community.

During the official state dinner, Vice President Biden asked Prime Minister Netanyahu for clarification, seeking a retraction to an announcement which is self-explanatory. Mr. Netanyahu told Biden that he and Interior Minister Eli Yishai were not aware the announcement was going to be made.

Speaking to Galei Tzahal (Army Radio) host Razi Barkai on Wednesday morning, Yishai was asked if he was aware of the planned announcement. He stated the current administration never accepted a building freeze in the capital, including Ramot, Ramat Shlomo and other areas. That said, “There is a matter of sensitivity” and the administration is aware of this.

Regarding the District Planning Board announcement, “the committee does not inform or request permission from the interior minister before making such an announcement. The announcement made on Tuesday however is a technical one, and there is still a process of approval that follows. There was no intention to embarrass the vice president or harm relations between Israel and the United States.”

Yishai made statements in a number of media appearances on Wednesday, reaffirming no one intended to place the US vice president in a compromised position.

Yishai also pointed out that the district planning meeting was scheduled long before Mr. Biden announced his intentions to visit. “We have a habit of blaming ourselves all the time… The committee set its schedule weeks ago. Government clerks and civil service employees have their jobs and do them”.

Mr. Biden did add however that sometimes, Israel’s allies contribute to the efforts of her enemies, seeking to delegitimize the Jewish state’s existence.

Condemnations were also heard from United Nations Secretary-General Bank ki-Moon, and from PA officials who stressed the “illegal occupation” must come to an end.

The plan calls for a major addition to the chareidi community, pushing the community further southeast, improving the current access road and adding an additional one from the west. There are over 20,000 residents living in Ramat Shlomo, which is simply in need of additional homes.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)