An investigation conducted by Arutz Sheva revealed that Prime Minister Binyamin Netnyahu's promise to approve new construction in the Hezekiah quarter of Hevron consists of building permits, but does not include the allocation of land for construction. A building permit is not sufficient to begin construction in the area, and must be accompanied by a process of allocating plots of land. Ministers Naftali Bennett (Jewish Home) and Aryeh Deri (Shas), who led the push to approve the construction, accepted the promise from Netanyahu to approve the construction without knowing that it only consisted of the building permits. When they understood the nature of the promise, they asked for clarifications from Netanyahu's bureau chief, Yoav Horowitz. They have not yet received a response. In recent days Bennett, Deri, and other ministers and MKs have exerted pressure on Netanyahu to approve construction in Hevron. They noted that construction in Hevron would not contradict assurances made to the Trump Administration over construction in Judea and Samaria. Arutz Sheva has also learned that elements in the coalition had already conveyed to Netanyahu's associates a clear message that the Prime Minister's promise could only be implemented if the next stage of construction was approved. The building plan includes 31 new housing units and a number of public buildings. Sources close to the prime minister said in response to the report, "There is no pressure from Bennett and Deri regarding construction in Hevron. Prime Minister Netanyahu spoke to the Americans about this construction about a month ago." Minister Naftali Bennett said in response, "I congratulate the Prime Minister on the approval of the construction in Hevron, but we must complete the process, and we hope that the prime minister will take the additional step to advance it."
