New Israeli police unit in Jerusalem

Israel has decided to deploy special police forces to accompany Jerusalem municipality employees and inspectors during their raids on shops and houses in East Jerusalem.

Palestinian sources in the city said the move might trigger a new round of clashes once municipality inspectors decide to go ahead with plans they have to demolish dozens of Arab houses in Jerusalem for allegedly being built without permits.

“This unit will accompany municipality employees when they go to Jerusalem city quarters to inspect illegal construction or demolish unlicensed buildings,” said a Jerusalem police spokesman. The new police unit is expected to start its work during the first half of January.