The Jerusalem City Council on Monday transferred funds for the construction of funding in neighborhoods of Jerusalem liberated during the Six Day War. Among the homes to be constructed will be 1,600 units in the Ramat Shlomo neighborhood of the city. Approval for the homes had been given several years ago, but the go-ahead to build the homes was frozen in the wake of American pressure.
Additional funds were allocated for improvements in the City of David neighborhood outside the Old City. The money will be channeled to archaeological digs, development of public spaces, a fund for performances, and other efforts to attract tourists.
Additional funds will be provided for the construction of ritual baths in several neighborhoods.
Speaking to Arutz Sheva, Deputy Mayor David Hadari said that the funding was an “inoculation for Jerusalem,” ensuring the city's health and fullness as the government conducts negotiations with the Palestinian Authority. “We are telling the world that Jerusalem in its entirety is a part of the consensus n Israel, and is in the heart of every Jew. We will continue to live here and build here,” he said.
The government, he said, was fully aware of and involved in the plan. He added that he was hoping not to receive frantic phone calls from the EU's Katherine Ashton, or Secretary of State John Kerry.