State opposes plan for Arab school near east Jerusalem Border Police base

State reportedly fears students could potentially attempt to carry out attacks from the school on security forces stationed at the Sheikh Jarrah base.

By JPOST.COM STAFF
Updated: FEBRUARY 11, 2016 01:10
PALESTINIAN SCHOOL girls walk past Israeli soldiers at a checkpoint at a entrance to the village of Beit Einun near Hebron (photo credit: REUTERS)
PALESTINIAN SCHOOL girls walk past Israeli soldiers at a checkpoint at a entrance to the village of Beit Einun near Hebron
(photo credit: REUTERS)
The state opposes the building of a school for Arab students in east Jerusalem’s Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood because it is slated to be built next to a Border Police base, and thus will increase chances of terrorist attacks, Army Radio reported on Wednesday.
The school was already approved by Jerusalem’s Local Committee for Planning and Building, but documents obtained by Army Radio reveal that the state fears schoolchildren could attempt to carry out attacks against Border Police officers serving in the Sheikh Jarrah base.
“The plan is located next to a government security asset, which increases the likelihood of a terrorist attack against the base,” the document reportedly reads. “The building is liable to constitute a threat on the Border Police facility and the policemen who serve there.”
Meir Turgeman, chairman of the committee, told Army Radio that “there is a fear that students will in some way harm the Border Police officers, whose base has been there for many years, and indeed we are reviewing the issue.”
Army Radio quoted sources in the committee as saying that the plan is unlikely to be carried out, because of the state’s opposition, despite the school having received initial approval.
A police official said he is unaware of the development, and members of the planning and building committee could not be reached for comment.
Daniel K. Eisenbud contributed to this report.