developing· Security· Updated
Italian Firm Withdraws From Controversial Jerusalem Cable Car Project
An Italian engineering consultancy firm has withdrawn from the controversial Jerusalem cable car project, making it the fifth international company to pull out of the initiative. The project, approved by the Israeli government in 2019, aims to connect the First Station complex to the Silwan neighborhood near the Western Wall.
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What happened
- 01An Italian engineering firm has withdrawn from the Jerusalem cable car project, becoming the fifth international company to pull out.
- 02The Jerusalem Development Authority had planned to contract Engineering Ropeway ROPES for consulting services before the company rescinded its agreement.
- 03The general manager of the Italian firm cited work pressure as the reason for withdrawing from the initiative.
- 04The proposed 1.4-kilometer cable car route is designed to connect the First Station complex to the Silwan neighborhood near the Western Wall.
- 05The project was approved by the government in 2019 and upheld by Supreme Court Justice Yosef Elron in 2022.
- 06Four other foreign companies, consisting of three French firms and one Swiss firm, previously withdrew from the project.
- 07Opponents of the project, including local residents and heritage groups, argue it will damage the historic landscape of the Old City.
The Jerusalem Development Authority had announced an agreement with the Italian firm, Engineering Ropeway ROPES, to advance the project. However, the company denied its continued involvement, with its owner telling the Italian newspaper La Repubblica that he had rescinded his initial agreement to provide consulting services. The company's general manager cited work pressure as the reason for the withdrawal.
The 1.4-kilometer cable car route was presented as a transportation solution to ease traffic congestion near the Old City. Although the Supreme Court rejected petitions against the plan in 2022, the project has faced significant delays and opposition from residents, activists, and heritage groups concerned about its impact on the historic landscape. The four other foreign companies that previously withdrew from the project include three French firms and one Swiss firm.
Summarized by baba from the reports of 3 newsrooms. Updated
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