For residents of the capital, the news of the unfolding bribery case involving the Holyland project does not come as a surprise, for the monstrous project in the southwestern area of the capital never fit the landscape, an eyesore according to most that could only have been approved by being �pushed through� using unacceptable or illegal means, with the news of arrests in a major bribery affair confirming their suspicions.

The Holyland complex includes 196 units. The zoning originally called for construction of a luxury hotel complex but the zoning was changed to accommodate a major luxury residential project. Holyland includes 2 bedroom units sold for NIS 1.92 million; 3 bedroom for NIS 2.2 million; and 4 bedroom units selling for NIS 2.4-2.5 million. According to people involved in sales and marketing of Holyland, 60% of residents are Israelis and 40% foreigners who decided to buy in.

Police are indicating that Holyland is not the entire case, but the �tip of the iceberg� and other arrests are expected as the investigation advances, addressing other luxury building projects as well.

(Yechiel Spira � YWN Israel)