Paving the way for expanding Jewish enclaves in Palestinian neighborhoods
Mid-November was also marked by a series of legal decisions and legislation – briefly described below – that carry major ramifications, as they pave the way for a major expansion of the Jewish settlement enterprise and Israeli presence in the heart of Palestinian neighborhoods (each of these developments requires closer examination in order to fully […]
Mass demolitions in Shu’afat Refugee Camp
On November 21, the Jerusalem Municipality, backed by the Israeli police, proceeded with the demolition of 21 shops in the Shu’afat Refugee Camp, based on the claim that the shops were built without permits (which are impossible to obtain in any case). Owners of the shops were given just twelve hours notice before the demolitions […]
Elections in Jerusalem 2018: The Palestinian Dimension
A report by Daniel Seidemann, published October 17, 2018(a pdf of this report can be viewed/downloaded ) Israelis will go to the polls in municipal elections. In cities and towns throughout the country, every Israeli citizen over the age of 18 will have the opportunity to vote directly for a candidate for the position of mayor, […]
The High Holidays: Time to Keep a Close Eye on the Temple Mt/Haram al Sharif
We have repeatedly cautioned that the trends of radicalization in and around the Temple Mount/Haram al-Sharif are intensifying, creating a serious erosion in the substantive (if not technical) status quo. Notably while formally Jewish prayer is still proscribed by the government, even that is being slowly eroded, (including with pushing-the-envelope games like this). Likewise, the […]
Final Ruling on Khan al-Ahmar – Implications & Next Steps
What did the High Court decide and what does it mean? As was widely anticipated, on September 7, the Israeli High Court of Justice authorized the State of Israel to proceed with the evacuation/destruction of Khan Al-Ahmar, accepting the State’s claim that the village was built illegally. Basically, the Court reiterated and made final what […]
US Cuts Funding for East Jerusalem Hospitals
Last week the Trump Administration announced its decision to cut off funding for East Jerusalem church-run hospitals, as part of its overall decision to cut off funding for the Palestinians. The funding for Jerusalem hospitals, amounting to around $25 million, had initially been left in limbo, with some hope that it might be exempted from […]
Municipality Announces Deal for 20k New Units, Some in East Jerusalem
On August 15, the Jerusalem Municipality announced a deal with the Israel Lands Authority to build 20,000 residential units in the city. According to the Times of Israel, the agreement applies not only to areas of West Jerusalem but “…will also see projects in the Jewish neighborhoods of Pisgat Zeev and French Hill which are […]
Khan al Ahmar Update: Recent Developments
On August 1, Israel’s High Court of Justice held a hearing on the two petitions that were submitted to prevent the demolition of the Bedouin village of Khan al Ahmar (see our last report). During that hearing, the court reiterated its decision of last May authorizing the evacuation of the village’s residents and the demolition […]
Tenders Published for 603 New Units in Ramat Shlomo
On August 15, a new tender was announced and appeared on the Israel Lands Authority website, for 603 new housing units in the East Jerusalem settlement of Ramat Shlomo (assuming families with an average of four children – a conservative estimate for an Orthodox settlement – this works out to nearly 2500 new residents). The […]
Temple Mt/Haram al Sharif: Jewish Visits, & Tensions, Continue to Increase
More than 1000 Jewish visitors entered the Temple Mount/Haram Al Sharif compound on Tisha B’av, the annual commemoration of the destruction of the two Temples (which this year took place on July 22nd). Yaraeh – an organization encouraging Jews to visit the Temple Mount and pressing for a change in Israeli policy to allow Jewish […]