"For eight months, the [Civil Administration's] Higher Zoning Committee hasn't approved construction plans in Judea, Samaria, and the Jordan Valley," the Yesha Council said in a statement Wednesday.
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The committee, which is under the auspices of the Defense Ministry and is tasked with overseeing construction beyond the Green Line, normally reviews new construction plans every three months, including various infrastructure projects.
The announcement by the Yesha Council, the umbrella organization of Jewish localities in Judea and Samaria, follows an Israel Hayom report Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and Defense Minister Benny Gantz had halted the committee's meetings at Washington's request. Sources in the settlement movement added that Yesha Council head David Elhayani, who also represents the New Hope party in the coalition, has abstained from voicing criticism of the government on the matter.
In a statement, Yesha Council representatives called the situation "most concerning." They said that "in recent years, the status quo, in which the Higher Zoning Committee meets every three months and in which plans across all settlements were approved, has been maintained. Out of concern for the future of the settlement enterprise, we view this issue as of utmost importance to residents' lives and the development of [local] authorities in the region. Immediately upon Prime Minister Naftali Bennett entering office, we contacted him … on this matter. We have our hand on the pulse and are monitoring the issue daily."
"Thousands of housing units across Judea, Samaria, and the Jordan Valley that are not being advanced are now sitting on the desk of the zoning committee. We will not wait much longer, and we will not allow a planning or construction freeze in the settlements. We expect to see the Higher Zoning Committee convene soon, and we call on Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and Defense Minister Benny Gantz: You promised the status quo would be maintained – do it. Approve the plans that have long been waiting for approval," the council said.
By preventing the Higher Zoning Committee from convening, the government has essentially implemented a construction freeze in Judea and Samaria as no construction projects can move forward without the committee's approval. These plans are essential for the overall development of the communities, as they pertain to access roads and big projects as well.
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