Chaini Parwani
Published On: December 31, 2021 at 10:13 IST
The Government of Israel Appealed before the Top Court that it supports the controversial construction of a cable car in Jerusalem alleging movement of ferry passengers into the Old City.
Further a green signal was given by the State for the project despite opposition from the Ministers of Transportation and Environmental Protection.
Furthermore, the Court directed the Government to submit an Affidavit as part of the approval process.
The Affidavit included statement by Transportation Minister Merav Michaeli stating “The cable car project to the Old City is a tourism project that is being advanced by the Tourism Ministry and the Jerusalem Development Authority. The cable car does not have a significant transportation role, and the damage will outweigh the benefits.”
Further Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion and Environmental Protection Minister Tamar Zandberg opposed the Plan.
The Government replied that the plan will not be cancelled or changed pertaining to the denial by two Ministers.
The municipality backs the project, asserting it will alleviate road blockages in the area and be a draw for tourists.
The Government has sanctioned NIS 200 million ($55.2 million) for the Cable Car, planned to stretch from the First Station cultural complex in the south of the city to the Old City’s Dung Gate.
Further it was highlighted that it will be a tourist attraction and will help relieve traffic gridlock caused mainly by tour buses.