Top American officials stationed in Israel have taken it upon themselves to monitor Jewish construction in Jerusalem, as well as areas in Judea and Samaria. According to the newspaper Makor Rishon, the United States ambassador to Israel, the U.S. consul general in Jerusalem and other officials demand regular updates from Israeli ministers associated with building committees.

As a result of the American pressure and involvement, building permits for thousands of new housing units in Israel’s capital have been held up indefinitely. Government and municipal officials have confirmed that there is an unofficial Jewish building freeze in Jerusalem due to the intense American pressure.