Israel will struggle to attract bids for new tram line

Significance

Infrastructure projects in Jerusalem, especially those that involve East Jerusalem, are controversial due to East Jerusalem’s contested status. The Brown Line is planned to run roughly north-south and almost entirely in East Jerusalem. It will connect settlements at either end.

Impacts

• Municipal efforts to implement the Brown Line project will highlight human rights issues affecting Palestinian residents.
• Activists will pressure foreign firms not to bid for contracts on the line.
• Companies that do participate in the project face the risk of legal action in some European jurisdictions.