Israel suspends demolition of Palestinian east Jerusalem buildings

Prime Minister succumbs to U.S., European pressure to refrain from demolishing home to 100 Palestinians despite court approval to take down building; Ben-Gvir says demolition will take place at later date
Haim Goldich, Itamar Eichner|
Despite the pressure from National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israel decided Monday to postpone the demolition of East Jerusalem buildings amid international pressure.
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  • Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu succumbed to pressure from the U.S. Embassy and European envoys to suspend the demolition.
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    Itamar Ben-Gvir
    Itamar Ben-Gvir
    Itamar Ben-Gvir
    (Photo: EPA)
    The building houses some 100 Palestinians, from nine families, and the initial decision to demolish it was made in 2014 after it was constructed without a permit.
    The High Court of justice ordered the demolition of the building, and over the years negotiations with the Jerusalem Municipality were conducted in an attempt to change the decision. The talks did not yield results and the stated deadline for self-demolition of the building passed on December 7.
    Ben-Gvir who campaigned on his promises to fight illegal Palestinian construction said the demolition would take place. "It will happen. If not tomorrow, then the day after tomorrow, if not next week, then in two more weeks, but it will happen.”
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    הריסות המבנים בשכונת א-טור במזרח ירושלים
    הריסות המבנים בשכונת א-טור במזרח ירושלים
    Illlegal buildings in east Jerusalem
    Following the deadly attack in east Jerusalem in which 7 Israelis were killed, Ben-Gvir vowed to tackle the illegal construction in the eastern part of the city and demolish the buildings. However, compared to the same period last year the number of demolitions carried out, has not been significant.
    "Buildings will be built only according to the law, even in east Jerusalem, and it is important that every Israeli citizen, no matter who he is, knows that there will be enforcement and no one will be allowed to violate the law," Ben-Gvir said.
    The Jerusalem Municipality said last week that it established a unit that will enforce construction regulations and prevent violations in all east Jerusalem neighborhoods.
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