20,000 housing units approved for Maaleh Adumim, over ‘Green Line’

Israel’s government on Thursday finally approved 20,000 housing units for Maaleh Adumim located in the Judean Desert, beyond the ‘Green Line’.

By World Israel News Staff

After a long delay due to fear of diplomatic fallout, Israel’s government on Thursday finally approved 20,000 housing units for the city of Maaleh Adumim, located in the Judean Desert about four miles south of Israel’s capital.

The total amount to be invested is estimated at $756,000,000.

“In addition to the new housing units, public and educational institutions will also be established, and will include synagogues, schools, parks, community centers and sports arenas,” Housing and Construction Minister Yoav Galant said.

The housing minister touted the strategic importance of the agreement. “We must continue to establish [our] hold on the Jerusalem area, from Maaleh Adumin in the east to Givat Zeev in the west, from Atarot in the north to the area of Bethlehem and Rachel’s Tomb to Efrat and Gush Etzion.”

He said these places were of “historic, strategic and national importance.”

Galant expects the new construction to “lead to significant development and growth in the population of Maaleh Adumim.”