Plans to expand Jerusalem's light rail system are facing major delays due to a combination of geopolitical tensions, violent protests, and logistical challenges. The Green Line, which was originally scheduled to open next year, will now be postponed until March 2026. Additionally, the extension of the Red Line will not be operational before November 2024. These delays are attributed to the ongoing war on the Gaza Strip, violent protests by some groups of ultra-Orthodox Jews, and logistical issues such as manpower shortages.
The Green Line, extending from Mount Scopus to Gilo, and the Red Line, extending from Pisgat Zeev to Neve Yaakov and Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital, have been significantly affected. Shapir Engineering and Industries and the Spanish company CAF, responsible for these projects, have faced several setbacks. The workforce shortage is critical, with many workers being called up to join the Army Reserves or leaving the country. Violent protests against the construction of the Green Line on Bar-Ilan Street, led by Haredi Jews, have caused severe damage, delaying the delivery of this section by a year.
The delays have financial implications for other projects related to the light rail system. For instance, Bayside Corp., listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, is developing a 270,000 square meter office project near the Hebrew University in Givat Ram, which will be served by the Green Line. The first phase of this project is expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2024. Additionally, the Spanish company COMSA withdrew from the consortium responsible for the Blue Line due to political pressure.
Meanwhile, tens of thousands of Palestinians are fleeing the fighting in Gaza City as the Israeli army continues its ground offensive. The UN has reported that ground troops, supported by tanks and aerial bombardments, are engaged in intense fighting against Hamas and its allies in Gaza City. The UN human rights office has expressed dismay at the evacuation orders pushing displaced people to areas already heavily populated and lacking infrastructure and humanitarian aid.
The situation in Gaza is dire, with residents fleeing using any means available, including cars, bicycles, and wheelchairs. The Israeli army has ordered the evacuation of new districts, causing further displacement. The fighting has resulted in significant casualties, and emergency services are struggling to reach affected areas. The conflict has forced 1.9 million people, or 80% of the population, to be displaced.
In addition to the conflict in Gaza, Israel is also continuing its operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon. An Israeli drone strike recently targeted a Hezbollah vehicle on the Syrian side of the border with Lebanon, resulting in two deaths. Indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas are ongoing, mediated by Egypt, Qatar, and the USA, aiming for a ceasefire and an exchange of hostages. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that any agreement will allow Israel to resume fighting until all war aims are achieved.
- The ongoing war on the Gaza Strip has led to significant delays in the expansion of Jerusalem's light rail system. The Green Line, originally scheduled to open next year, will now be postponed until March 2026, and the extension of the Red Line will not be operational before November 2024. These delays are due to a combination of geopolitical tensions, violent protests, and logistical challenges, including manpower shortages.
- The Green Line and the Red Line have been significantly affected, with Shapir Engineering and Industries and the Spanish company CAF facing several setbacks. The workforce shortage is a critical issue, with many workers being called up to join the Army Reserves or leaving the country. Violent protests against the construction of the Green Line on Bar-Ilan Street have caused severe damage, delaying the delivery of this section by a year.
- The delays have financial implications for other projects related to the light rail system, such as Bayside Corp.'s office project near the Hebrew University in Givat Ram. The first phase of this project is expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2024. Additionally, the Spanish company COMSA withdrew from the consortium responsible for the Blue Line due to political pressure.
- Tens of thousands of Palestinians are fleeing the fighting in Gaza City as the Israeli army continues its ground offensive. The UN has reported that ground troops, supported by tanks and aerial bombardments, are engaged in intense fighting against Hamas and its allies. The UN human rights office has expressed dismay at the evacuation orders pushing displaced people to areas already heavily populated and lacking infrastructure and humanitarian aid.
- Residents of Gaza City are fleeing using any means available, including cars, bicycles, and wheelchairs. The Israeli army has ordered the evacuation of new districts, causing further displacement. The fighting has resulted in significant casualties, and emergency services are struggling to reach affected areas. The conflict has forced 1.9 million people, or 80% of the population, to be displaced.
- Israel is also continuing its operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon. An Israeli drone strike recently targeted a Hezbollah vehicle on the Syrian side of the border with Lebanon, resulting in two deaths. Indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas are ongoing, mediated by Egypt, Qatar, and the USA, aiming for a ceasefire and an exchange of hostages. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that any agreement will allow Israel to resume fighting until all war aims are achieved.
