Construction in East Jerusalem
Israel is in the midst of a housing-shortage crisis that has spiked housing prices 40% over the past three years. This is part of the financial problem that has triggered massive demonstrations in cities across the Holy Land in recent weeks.
In response, last week Israeli officials approved plans for the construction of 1,600 new homes in the northeast Jerusalem neighborhood of Ramat Shlomo. The Interior Ministry is expected to approve two additional housing projects in east Jerusalem in the near future.
In most countries, a housing shortage could be solved by simply building additional units. This is not the case in Israel, where with every decision officials must consider the possible impact on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, as well as the reaction from the international community. This is especially true when dealing with new construction.
The Interior Ministry’s announcement of its approval for new housing projects in existing Jewish neighborhoods was met with sharp criticism from the E.U. as well as the U.S. State Department.
European Union Foreign Policy Chief Catherine Ashton said on Friday that she “regrets” Israel’s decision to “continue settlement expansion in east Jerusalem,” which according to Ashton, “threatens the viability of an agreed two-state solution and undermines ongoing efforts to resume negotiations.”
The U.S. State Department was also displeased about news of the Jerusalem housing project approval. A U.S. State Department official stated that Israel’s plan to build new homes in Jerusalem is “illegitimate and not in the best interest of getting back to negotiations.”
I firmly disagree with these reactions. Israel’s decision to build homes in already existing Jerusalem neighborhoods, especially in the midst of a housing crisis, is well within her rights. And the Israeli government has expressed on numerous occasions that Israeli control of these areas is non-negotiable.
If these U.S. and European officials are really interested in brokering peace between Israel and the Palestinians, why aren’t they pressuring the Palestinians to follow through on past agreements and to agree to the same type of concessions Israel has been willing to make for years?
What do you think?
11:59 am
GOD BLESS ISRAEL AND BUILD THE LAND GIVING TO ABRAHAM BLESS BE ISRAEL FOR ALL THE TIME LOVE FROM CALIFORNIA AND KEEP BUILDING
12:56 am
God has set leaders in place.It is for them to lead.Israel has every right to build,especially in an all ready large Jewish neighborhood! It’s so easty to listen to the wrong voices,please don’t be fooled by these others.Follow the Lord’s leading and do what will stand in the courts of heaven.It’s not like you-all were trying to keep someone else from having a house..but rather trying to provide for the people that are already in the neighborhood.
1:41 pm
Remember the six day war? GOD has Angels watching
HIS chosen people!! Those that contend with Israel
are contending with the MIGHTY GOD!!
2:45 pm
MY THOUGHTS ARE ALWAYS WITH ISRAEL AND MY JEWISH BROTHERS AND SISTERS! CONTINUE TO BUILD AND MOVE FORWARD TO PROVIDE FOR GOD’S CHOSEN PEOPLE! DO NOT FEAR! YOU SHALL NEVER AGAIN BE DEFEATED!WOE TO ANY NATION THAT DOES NOT SUPPORT THE JEWISH PEOPLE! I AM ASHAMED TO READ MY COUNTRY’S OPPOSITION TO YOUR BUILDING PROJECT (USA)!BUILD, BUILD, BUILD, AND BRING YOUR PEOPLE HOME!SHALOM!
5:31 pm
I am a Canadian citizen and a faithful supporter of Israel. Know this, that the Lord is with you & will never again forsake you. This is your land
that he has given you, build in boldness knowing that God will keep watch over you and will bless those that honor you.
11:47 am
Praise God! May the Jews continue to build and grow and prosper in the land God has given them.Maythe “naysayers” be silenced and far removed Israel.Mayall of them be deported ASAP!New tourism policy
7:40 am
It’s hard to fathom the baseless demands of worldly powers, but of course they are under the control of the ruler of the ‘world’ rather than the true ruler of heaven and earth. Yahweh’s will be done.
9:40 pm
Israel has a God given right to the land, and no one has a right to tell them what to do. I hope all of you on here will do what you can and get out and vote and pray the next President will favor Israel. We have to get him out of office.
4:06 pm
Please, comunicate to the PM of Israel, not to be concerned about world opinion. Do what’s best for Israel, build where you want, take care your people, as mandated by the Almighty. Tell the world’s leaders that you must listen to your Boss, ADONAI HASHEM, the rest can go to…, you got my point. Tell them, the US., the EU.,or anybody else who do not know the reality on the ground, that their blood is on their own hands, for not supporting GOD’s chosen people, weather they believe the Bible or not.. GOD bless Israel and HIS people, for ever. BARUCH HASHEM ADONAI
5:14 am
I have just returned to the US from a tour of Israel. We visited the west bank …or East Jerusalem, where they propose to build. It is a city 50,000 Jews strong. There are beautiful homes, parks, schools, museums, malls! It is so well designed that each child can walk to his/her elementary school…not ride a bus and not even cross a major street. This is the most logical place to build! And Israel will do it right! The Palestinians have their neighborhoods as well. There is plenty of room between the neighborhoods to expand. By the way, you can tell the Jewish neighborhoods from the Palestinian because public spaces are not important to the Palestinian culture. There is no development (parks, plantings, etc) in the Palestinian neighborhoods.
1:12 pm
Israel, God has said this is your land and you are the apple of his eye. I say to continue building and don’t worry about what other governments say, especially since they can’t do right by thier own people. I am a U.S. citizen but do not agree with our government, and neither should your country. As the Lord Almighty said he will never let anyone take Isreal from his people and those who try will only loose and be put into the lake of fire. Those who know God’s word knows that it is Satan and his followers who will try to take it and may the lord have mercy on thier soul. I am ashamed for our government and the way they are metteling, when we have our own problems that they can’t control. I hate to say it but I believe that the antichrist has more followers in congress and the senate and are trying to destroy our way of life. The lord said the meek shall inherit the earth, and so will you Isreal. God Bless your country, and may the Lord protect you from all those who wish you harm.
2:55 pm
I so agree with you. I am a US citizen also, and what they are doing is not right! They will all have to answer to God one day..God bless you all and may God continue to propect His people..Lots os Love Jerusalem!!
12:06 pm
Israel is sovern it belongs to God Almighty,God says his word is LAW,and by his word he gave this land to the Israelites as their PROMISED LAND,,NOW,,,you or noone can take this land from Gods Chosen People,,only he could do that,,(,God Doesnot Go Back On HIS WORD ) SOOOOO Israel can build if she wants to,,,,USA,,,, YOU HAD BETTER START STANDING BESIDE,,,, NOT BEHIND HER AND START STICKING UP FOR HER OR YOU ARE GOING TO BE THE ONES TO FALL…………..
11:57 am
Israel,our president might not be with you all the way but the American people are . Reason for BHO is that he is a Radical Socialist . He will be out of Office in 12 .
1:48 pm
I hope Obama is a one term President ! I hope are next one is Pro-Israel !
5:36 am
leonard unfortunately that obamma gets back in there is still dumb people who will put him back in obamma is destroying this country an he thinks that the USA, EU, RUSSIA, UN, an Palestine can size Jerusalem with out notify Israel Abba Father we beseech You to send forth Your angelic hosts to do spiritual warfare on behalf of Your word,; Bless the LORD, you His angels, who excel in strength, who do His word, heeding the voice of His word, Bless the LORD, all you His hosts, you ministers of His, who do His pleasures. Bless the LORD, all His works, in all places of His dominion. Bless the LORD, O my soul and all that is within me Bless His Holy Name Psalm 103:20-22
8:07 pm
Leonard, I am sorry I merant to reply to Rena. The Us has doner enough damage in regards to Israeland the UN is just as ignorant as our US officials, who can not look up the original Mandate for Israelfuture country. The Arab nation were given their own coun tr own countries and the “Palestiniens” were supposed to live what is known today Jordan and an Arab state. The US has no right as does the UN to change what was agreed upon by the LeaGUE OF nATIONS, NOW THE UN. If the US wanted to be as selfrighteous as our politicians do, they might want to consider the shameful theft of Indian land in the US. Jerusalem is and always has been jewish history. All the Arab Nations lack the understanding of truth and suffer from amnesia or simply lie. It always amazes me to see and hear the untruth of people who are guided by Satan. Those who curse you oh Israel, I will curse! Those spoke the Lord God.
Jerusalem in particular is the apple of Gods eye, not Allah or any other god anyone can come up with. I am very upset at the UN, EU, US and Sarkozy and Obama speaking about Israel and PM Netanyahu in such desperaging terms as was overheard. In a way, I thank God for the faux pas someone made by leaving the mics open. Divine intervention??? Now we know the culprits. Israel, keep building in Jerusalem, there is nothing illigal about it. If man and his plans attempt to stop the fulfillment of Ezekial 11:17 by freezing of settlement contruction to facilitate the return of Jews to Israel, they are going to pay a heavy price.Everyone has their own agenda and will use Israel as a tool for their own benefit. As history will tell you and I am sure that PM Netanyahu is well aware of that. But the people of the Us are in plentytude for Israel. I was shocked to fin out that many Jewish people in the US are against Israel. You must make certain that your political parties are united. The Council pf Foreign Affairs is the most dispicable group of people who manipulate the Middle East. Look at the mess they have created along with Mr. Obama. The Europeans are the same Godless people and never consider that the bible has a lot of information for them to be wiser. But man has fallen from God and Satan gives therm the idea they are bigger than God.. read all of Isaiah, I mean ALL. .
10:49 am
Israel get in the spirit of Nehemiah. Build up and refuse to back up. A hammer in one hand and a weapon in the other. Continue to build no matter what. God is with you.
5:05 am
It is your land. Israel should never again yield to anyone anywhere asking or demanding you do.
I have read and understand God’s word and in a short time Israel will have all its land back!
10:58 am
Israel, the Lord gave you that land, it belongs to you. Fear not men, for God is on your side. He has established you, and He will keep you and watch over you. He is the highest authority, and besides Him there is no God. He is faithful and what He has said, He shall also perform it. Woe unto anyone who is touching the apple of His eye, and that includes the United States. Ps. 121:5, He that keeps Israel neither slumber or sleep.
5:01 am
Long Live the Chosen People of the Lord!Israel’s Jews have every right to build their land. My entire family supports Israel with prayers.Our Christian church is one with the people of Israel!SHALOM
1:25 am
we must continue and should continue the task with or without the E.U. and U.S. State Department approval.being an american i feel that the U.S. State Department is being hypocritical, the question is are you for ISRAEL or are you backing up this terrorist regime???? has AMERICA or the U.S. State Department has forgotten the infamous 9/11 the massacre that they provided back then , really are you for real/??? being sephardic jewish ancestry im all for this , like the previous gentleman AMRAM let us continue in the name of the holy god of ISRAEL . and we as a true americans that we are we should continue the support of ISRAEL and continue the fight against that terrorist group wich is HAMAS ,this is our land we were just absent for a while,we are back now the true land lords of this beautiful god giving land thank you my heavenly father the HOLY GOD OF ISRAEL ….TODA RABAH SHALOM
12:51 am
Israel is a sovereignty nation that can build on their land with out asking outside nations if they can build. who gives them the right to demand such stupid requests. Israel is God’s land.
9:49 pm
Yes, Israel must build and has the right to house its people. Israel take a stand and do not give nay more land away for peace. You are God;s chosen people, I for one are standing with you and I know PM netanyahu is strong in his stand for Israel. god bless you are in my prayers.
9:38 pm
go for it ISRAEL 1,600 today, 50,000 tomorow it is your land you have the title deed from the G – d of bible
11:08 am
Yes, I agree, keep building until every jew has a home. It’s your land, the deed was signed and delivered to you by the God of Abraham, Jacob, and Isaac. No other government has any right to tell you what to do with your land. It is yours, don’t be intimidated by their threats. God of the Universe is covering you, and protecting you continually. Warring angels have been stationed around your walls. They will back you up. Protect what belongs to you, your land. Shalom!!!
9:11 pm
I feel that new construction in diputed lands is our right, How many times has the world made us leave land, then we are attcked by the same people we had to give it back to and we have to fight over it again ? We shed blood for that land. We own it now. We can build on it.
9:02 pm
Wholeheartedly, I agree with the statement: “If these U.S. and European officials are really interested in brokering peace between Israel and the Palestinians, why aren’t they pressuring the Palestinians to follow through on past agreements and to agree to the same type of concessions Israel has been willing to make for years?”
So, since Israel is well within her rights to expand in already non-negotiable territory, then everybody else should mind their own business. But will they do so? Not likely! May Yahweh continue to bless His people so as to prepare the world for the coming of the Messiah.
9:02 pm
My prayer for God wouldput an end to the contanious hatered not just between arabs and jews,but all over on the earth.All the blessings be yours Israel.
8:27 pm
Keep building. Don’t ever stop.
8:15 pm
I am a US citizen and I support Israel entirely. It is their land and they have a right to build on it.
7:50 pm
What concessions have only Israel been willing to make? The way i understand it, concessions have been made for the Palestinians, in the form of home demolitions and racial colonization
7:48 pm
You need housing for your people and need to build. No matter how many concessions Israel could possibly make, it will never satisfy those who want Israel to cease to exist. The Almighty has brought you back to your land – keep it and build!
12:03 pm
Iam an American, born and raised. Jesus Christ is my Saviour. Jesus is a Jew.The Jews are “GOD’S Chosen People!” If you mess with God’s Chosen People, You mess With the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY!!! Good luck on that one!!!
7:44 pm
May God’s Blessings rest upon Israel, and may His True Peace come to you all.
7:18 pm
COULDN’T AGREE MORE! CONTINUE TO BUILD!!!!
7:16 pm
STAY OUT OF ISRAELI BUSINESS ..GO CONTROL YOUR OWN COUNTIES AFFAIRS..ISRAELI DOSENT NEED YOUR DECEPTIVE POLITICAL BULLS%$#!!GOT IT ? OF COURSE NOT..BUT YOU NEED TO GO AWAY!!GODS WRATH ????
7:10 pm
WHAT NEXT ? THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY WANTS TO SHOW US HOW TO TEND TO SHEEP AND FARM AND BUILD ?GO TELL JEHOVAJ HOW TO RUN HEAVEN FIRST AND MAYBE WE WILL LISTEN TO YOUR FOOLISHNESS!!!RUBBISH!!!
7:07 pm
Who cares what the international community thinks about building more homes in jerusalem!!!Build them anyway.!!and as far AS A TWO STATE SOLUTION ?THERE IS no TWO STATE SOLUTION EXCEPT NATIONAL PRIDE
6:01 pm
Keep buildin, if God be for you who can be agaist you !!
5:51 pm
They aren’t pressuring the Palestinians because they are similar in their dirty spirits. Ever talk to somebody and you feel in your spirit you don’t like them because they don’t like you?
5:17 pm
The EU and US state department has no right to tell Israel what to do. God gave you the land. use it for Israel’s good and Her people.Praying for Israel always. God Bless you.Mary
12:57 pm
Let’s continue to build. It’s our land.
4:58 pm
Look, no matterwhat Israel does or doesn’t do it won’t matter because those who hate Israel and the Jews regardless of whether we are in Israel or Outer Mongolia, the realtion will be the same. Don’t do anything to help Jews survive. That’s been the truth throughout the history of the past couple of millenium and even earlier. So since whatever happens Israel will be “wrong” for trying to survive, do whatever is in Israel’s best interst and to hell with what the rest of the world wants — or more accurately, doesn’t want. Remember, if you’re damned if you do, and damned if you don’t, you’re free to do whatever you want. Go for it.
7:44 pm
Countiue to BUILD!!!!!!! The Torah teaches us how to live and to do within Israel… whom do you serve…The E.U. , THe U.S. Staet Dept.???? Wakeup “so-called-Leaders”in Israel…. BUILD !
11:22 pm
AMEN!!!!!!!!