Minister of Transport and Intelligence Israel Katz said that next Sunday, October 29, the bill on Greater Jerusalem initiated by him will be put to the vote of the inter-ministerial legislative commission and submitted to the Knesset for approval.

The law was introduced on behalf of Knesset Member Jovan Kish (Likud). As you know, Israeli law allows the minister to submit bills only in the sphere of the department headed by him.

Yisrael Katz stated that the bill "Greater Jerusalem" is aimed at strengthening the status of Jerusalem as the single and indivisible capital of Israel. "We will expand the boundaries of Jerusalem and strengthen the status of the city, strengthening the Jewish majority here," Katz explained.

The minister added that the law would extend Israeli jurisdiction to the settlements of Greater Jerusalem: Maale Adumim, Givat Zeev, Beitar-Ilit, Efrat, Gush Etzion settlements, with a total population of about 150,000 Israeli citizens. They will be annexed to the capital as part of Greater Jerusalem under Israeli sovereignty, "the minister said.

"According to the bill, the municipal independence of each of the local authorities will be preserved. The inhabitants of settlements that fall under the jurisdiction of Jerusalem will have the right of double voting - for deputies to the City Council of Greater Jerusalem and to the local self-government body, "the minister said.

"The accession to Jerusalem of the settlements located near the capital is a clear message to everyone who tries to challenge the connection of the Jewish people with Jerusalem and the belonging of this city to the people of Israel," Katz concluded.