Netanyahu Unveils 5-Year Development Plan for Jerusalem; Projects Include Western Wall Elevator
by JNS.org
JNS.org -In a special cabinet meeting convened underneath the Western Wall in Jerusalem, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Sunday the commencement of a five-year Jerusalem development plan.
While cabinet meetings are typically held in the prime minster’s office, Netanyahu said, “On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the liberation and unification of the city of Jerusalem, we are holding the government meeting here in the Western Wall Tunnels.”
Netanyahu announced the five-year development plan for Jerusalem and new initiatives to increase tourism to Israel’s capital city. A new elevator to the Western Wall will ease access for people with disabilities. The elevator will begin in the Jewish Quarter of Jerusalem’s Old City and descend 85 feet to the Western Wall complex. A new tunnel will give pedestrians using the elevator direct access to the Western Wall security gate.
The prime minister also announced the establishment of a “special new cable car tourism project” starting from the First Station outdoor mall to the Old City’s Dung Gate.
“We will open the Old City basin and improve the health, culture, welfare and education services in the city of Jerusalem,” Netanyahu added.