A controversial Israeli plan to build a cable car to the Old City of Jerusalem has passed a major hurdle and now only requires the cabinet's approval.
The National Infrastructure Committee on Monday rejected a battery of petitions against the proposed cable car and greenlit the contentious project. The estimated $55 million project, which is being advanced by the Tourism Ministry, is expected to serve many tourists and worshippers who may want to visit the Western Wall and other parts of the old city.
The cable car would ferry tourists from a renovated train station complex. The proposed route spans several verdant valleys and runs past the city's iconic walls.
The project has faced many protestations from Palestinians, environmentalists, urban planners, architects, and some religious minority groups.
