Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat said during a ceremony inaugurating a new portion of the Begin Expressway in Jerusalem that “Opening the road will improve the quality of life of those who live in Jerusalem and those who come to visit.”
In response to the bus attack in the city Barkat said that “Two days ago, we experienced a terror attack in Jerusalem. I have full faith in the Israeli government and Prime Minister to act within this complex reality. It is hard for those who hate Israel to see our successes. Our response to terror is to chase after those who commit it with severe consequences… and cooperate with the residents of eastern Jerusalem while simultaneously building in Jerusalem. This is the right path. I call to the nation of Israel to visit Jerusalem on Passover; this is the response to those who try and disrupt our lives.”