Minister approves railway link between West Bank settlements and Israel cities

 The Israeli Transport Minister Yisrael Katz has approved the construction of a light rail service between the illegal settlement of Ariel in the northern occupied West Bank and the cities of Rosh HaAyin and Petah Tikva in central Israel.

The Israeli Ministry of Transport expects the 35.5 kilometre project to cost at least 4 billion shekels ($1.1 billion) upon completion in 2025.

Katz said: “The new light rail train will significantly reduce traffic congestion in the area, and enable [Ariel residents] to reach their workplaces, shopping malls and entertainment venues quickly and safely.”

He explained that the next phase of the project could include linking the light train rail with the train lines in Tel Aviv.

Though Katz backed the plan it is yet to be formally approved.

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