The Jerusalem municipal authority intends to discuss a project for the construction of an additional 4,000 residential units in Abu Ghneim Mount [known to Israelis as Har Homa], according to Haaretz newspaper.
The area in question lies along the south-eastern border of the city and is adjacent to the Palestinian village of Beit Sahur.
The plan is part of a Housing Ministry initiative that will be implemented on land confiscated from Palestinians, one source told the daily, adding that the timing of the project, however, is the decision of the Jerusalem municipal authority.
"The project will be presented Thursday to a subcommittee of the local planning and construction committee of the municipality, which will also discuss the construction of a new Jewish neighborhood between Gilo and Har Homa that involves 400 residential units to be built by private entrepreneurs."
Meanwhile, the local planning committee will deliberate the construction of a new 64-dunum Jewish neighborhood in Abu Dis, said one source.
The proposed site is several kilometers away from any other Jewish neighborhood, and is linked to the Palestinian village of Abu Dis, which falls under Area B (Israeli security control and Palestinian civil management).
© 2000 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
