Gov't may delay Silwan project

PMO says it's willing to find a legal solution for King's Garden.

By JPOST.COM STAFF
311_Silwan (photo credit: Ariel Jerozolimski/The Jerusalem Post))
311_Silwan
(photo credit: Ariel Jerozolimski/The Jerusalem Post))
Israel is open to a negotiated solution regarding the King's Garden redevelopment project in the east Jerusalem neighborhood of Silwan, the Prime Minister's Office stated Tuesday.
"The PMO expresses the hope that the dialogue will continue with those who built their homes on public land in violation of the law and that an agreed upon solution will be found that will keep in line with the law," read a PMO statement.
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The PMO's reponse came amid concerns emanating from Washington regarding the demolition and redevelopment plan approved by the Jerusalem Municipality Monday for the predominantly Arab neighborhood.
Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Ehud Barak intend to meet to discuss the government's official response to the outcry raised over the bulding project.
Barak remarked Tuesday that the controversial redevelopment effort may be delayed several months due to political concerns.
"The King's Garden project, which has awaited for 3000 years [since the time of King David], can wait another three to nine months if the State's policy considerations necessitate it," Barak said.