Jerusalem opposes a controversial construction plan in the abandoned Palestinian village of Lifta, which is considered a site of global historic significance, the municipality told the Jerusalem District Court last week.
The city’s statement to court, responding to a petition by refugees from the village and a group of Jerusalem activists, says it wants the Israel Land Authority’s plan cancelled, as it would “would crush many green areas and areas of utmost historical importance. In the city’s opinion, the plan does not serve the public interest.”
The municipality told the court that the Land Authority promoted the plan for a high-end residential neighborhood despite the city’s objections. Both began working on the plan a decade ago.
The area of the village, at the western entrance to Jerusalem, should be developed, the city said, “but in a cautious manner, and while carefully preserving the unique
— source Jews For Justice For Palestinians | Nir Hasson | 9 Sep 2021