The United States demanded that Israel cease construction in the Sheikh Jarakh neighborhood in eastern Jerusalem. The construction site is several yards from the National Police Headquarters.

Israel’s Ambassador in Washington, Michael Oren, was invited during the weekend to the U.S. State Department and was asked to clarify the purpose of the project. A senior political official said that Israel’s right to build in eastern Jerusalem isn’t in doubt and isn’t open for discussion. According to the official, the developer received all necessary permits from the planning committee and the government doesn’t plan to intervene.