Israel’s deputy housing minister has promised to push for more building in Jerusalem, including the construction of a controversial housing project bordering the Palestinian autonomous areas.
Meir Porush, the deputy housing minister and United Torah Judaism party member, said he would try to clear the way for immediate work to begin on housing projects.
This includes Har Homa, a planned Jewish neighborhood for some 30,000 people that has been met with opposition from Palestinians and left-wing Israelis.
Mossi Roz of Peace Now said the group would petition against the project if it is approved.
Porush’s religious party, which traditionally does not accept ministerial appointments in the government, actually controls the Housing Ministry although Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is officially the housing minister.
United Torah Judaism is made up of the political parties Degel HaTorah and Agudat Yisrael.
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