Fifth foreign firm pulls out of controversial Israeli cable car project to East Jerusalem
Summary
A fifth foreign company has stopped working on a plan to build a cable car from West to East Jerusalem because of concerns about land and property rights affecting Palestinian families. Although several companies have dropped out, Israeli local authorities say the project will continue as planned.Key Facts
- The cable car would travel 1.4 kilometers, connecting West Jerusalem to a new tourist area in East Jerusalem.
- The Israeli government approved the project in 2019, and the high court supported it in 2022.
- East Jerusalem is considered occupied territory under international law, and the land involved is claimed by Palestinians.
- At least five foreign companies, including French, Swiss, and Italian firms, have pulled out due to political sensitivity.
- The Jerusalem Development Authority plans to continue the project and issue public tender offers soon.
- Palestinian and Israeli heritage groups have protested, saying the cable car threatens Palestinian communities and cultural sites.
- The project is connected to wider issues of land disputes and settler activity in the occupied territories.
- Israel annexed East Jerusalem in 1980, but this is not recognized internationally.
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