Israel has yet to react to reports this morning that Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas might decide to cut ties with Israel. Still, the escalation of tensions between the sides is evident on several levels. Officials in Jerusalem are concerned that these tensions could harm the expected visit to Israel of President Joe Biden June 24.
Reports yesterday said Israel’s Subcommittee on Objections of the Higher Planning Council (HPC) of the Civil Administration will resume discussions next month over plans for 3,412 housing units in the controversial E1 area near Jerusalem. The Subcommittee’s official agenda notice scheduled discussions for two construction plans. Discussions over these plans were frozen for several years following American and European pushback. Several Palestinian groups and Israeli NGOs have submitted over the years reservations over the plans. They are now set to be heard July 18.
