Renewed controversy over east Jerusalem construction

The main item of Israel-related coverage in the UK media today is the visit by US President Joe Biden to Israel, his expressions of support for Israel's security and for the peace process, and the controversy following the announcement by the Israeli Interior Ministry of plans to build more housing units in the Ramat Shlomo neighbourhood of Jerusalem. The Independent has an analysis piece referring to the Israeli announcement as a 'snub' and a 'provocation.' In other items, the Guardian has a comment piece criticising moves that will accept Israel as a member of the Organization of Economically Developed Countries (OECD). The Daily Telegraph, meanwhile, criticises the ideas behind 'Israel Apartheid Week' on campuses. The paper also reports the death of former Israeli diplomat and intelligence official David Kimche. The Scotsman notes that Egypt will cover the costs to renovate synagogues in Cairo. Reuters quotes IDF Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi, who is currently in the US, on the need to keep 'all options open' regarding Iran.

In the Israeli media, all papers focus on Vice President Biden's criticism of Israel's decision to build in Ramat Shlomo. Ynetnews and Haaretz note that the political agenda of the Interior Minister may have been behind the timing of the announcement. The Jerusalem Post has additional articles on a decision to remove 77 Fatah men from Israel's wanted list, and MKs' rejection of a request by Defence Minister Barak for additional cash to enforce the settlement moratorium.

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