The decision to build on Har Homa was announced in a joint press conference with the Prime Minister and the mayor of Jerusalem. They warned that violence would be met with force. Two days earlier the EU expressed grave concern over these plans. the U.S. expressed its "disappointment" over the decision. Later that day, the Prime Minister explained, in a phone call, the decision to President Mubarak. Text:
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke today, 26.02.97, with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, and updated him on the governments building plans in Jerusalem. The Prime Minister said that the government intends to build approximately 2,000 housing units for Jews in the Har Homa neighborhood on land, most of which is privately held by Jews and also intends to build approximately 3,000 housing units over the next three years for Arabs in Jerusalem.
Prime Minister Netanyahu said that there is an opportunity to continue the peace process, which is what Israel aspires to. He added that it would be a serious mistake if anyone adopts violent action which would endanger the peace process.
President Mubarak said that everything must be done in order to continue the peace process.