Speaking with reporters in Washington, Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat denied any agreement to a construction freeze in areas of Yerushalayim, denying reports that such a situation exists. The mayor did confirm reports that since the incident sparked during the visit to Israel by US Vice President Joe Biden, pertaining to announced approval for 1,600 building units in Ramat Shlomo, the planning committee has taken  time to recover and has been operating at a slower pace.

Seeking to send a clear message in Israel and to Washington, Interior Minister Eli Yishai on Wednesday afternoon called on the district planning committee to convene towards approving building plans in Yerushalayim. Yishai stated that following the embarrassing incident with Vice President Biden, it has been decided that the planning committee will not convene on days when high-level visitors are present, seeking to avoid a repeat situation in the future.

Also in lines with the mayor’s position was Minister (Likud) Dr. Binyamin Begin, who told Israel Radio early Wednesday afternoon that he is unaware of any building freeze in Yerushalayim, denying recent reports that the government has given Washington quiet behind the scenes assurances that construction would halt, at the very least, during the period of renewed talks between Israel and the PA.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)