Italian Firm Withdraws From Controversial Jerusalem Cable Car Project
Translated & summarized from Arab48 by baba
An Italian engineering firm has withdrawn from Israel's controversial cable car project near Jerusalem's Old City, becoming the fifth foreign company to do so. The project, approved in 2019, faces significant political and urban planning objections, particularly from Palestinian residents and rights groups concerned about its impact on the historic landscape and local communities. Despite legal challenges and company withdrawals, the Jerusalem Development Authority insists the project is moving forward and is seeking a new consultant.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- An Italian engineering firm has withdrawn from Israel's Jerusalem cable car project, the fifth foreign company to do so.
- The project faces political and urban planning objections, especially concerning the Silwan neighborhood.
- The proposed 1.4 km cable car route runs from the station complex to the "Kedem" complex in Silwan.
- Opponents cite potential damage to the Old City's historic landscape and impact on Palestinian residents.
- The Israeli Supreme Court rejected petitions against the project in 2022, but implementation remains stalled.
An Italian engineering company has withdrawn from Israel's planned "cable car" project near the Old City of occupied Jerusalem. The Jerusalem Development Authority (JDA) had announced an agreement with the firm, Engineering Ropeway ROPES, for consulting services, but the company later confirmed its withdrawal to Italian media. This marks the fifth foreign company to back out of the project, which faces significant political and urban planning objections, particularly concerning the Silwan neighborhood.
The JDA, under the Israeli government, had intended to contract the Italian firm, which specializes in cable car planning. However, the company denied its continued involvement. The owner of Engineering Ropeway ROPES reportedly told "La Repubblica" that while he initially agreed to provide consulting services, he later rescinded the decision, stating, "We are no longer participating in the project." The company's general manager told "Il Fatto Quotidiano" that work pressures were the reason for withdrawal, without mentioning political factors.
This latest withdrawal follows similar retreats by four other foreign companies in recent years, including three French and one Swiss firm. Some previous withdrawals were linked to the project's political sensitivity, with the French government reportedly asking one company in 2015 not to participate.
The Israeli government approved the cable car plan in 2019, presenting it as a solution to traffic congestion around the Old City. However, it has encountered legal, professional, and human rights objections, delaying its implementation. The proposed 1.4-kilometer route would run from the station complex to the "Kedem" complex in Silwan, a visitor center being built by the right-wing Elad settler association at the entrance to the "City of David National Park."
Opponents, including architects, conservation activists, environmental groups, and Palestinian residents of Silwan, argue the cable car could damage the Old City's historical and urban landscape and infringe on Palestinian residents' rights. The Karaite Jewish community also objected due to the route passing over their cemetery. In 2022, the Israeli Supreme Court rejected petitions against the project, but implementation remained stalled due to difficulties in securing foreign company participation.
In response to the Italian company's withdrawal, the JDA claimed the project is proceeding transparently and professionally. They stated they are considering hiring an alternative consultant due to the selected firm citing technical difficulties preventing timely completion.
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