Israel gears up to launch Jerusalem-Tel Aviv rail line

JERUSALEM (AA) - Israel has begun preparations for the inauguration of a high-speed Jerusalem-Tel Aviv rail line, which will eventually be extended to the Al-Buraq Wall in East Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa Mosque complex, Israeli daily Yedioth Ahronoth reported on Friday.

According to the newspaper, the new rail line -- construction of which first began nine years ago -- will be inaugurated sometime in April or early May.

Work has also reportedly begun on the next phase of the project, which will link the new West Jerusalem rail station to Al-Aqsa’s Al-Burak Wall (referred to by Jews as the “Western Wall”).

According to Yedioth Ahronoth, the latter station will likely be named after U.S. President Donald Trump, who sparked outrage across the Middle East last December by recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.

A completion date for the Al-Buraq rail station has yet to be set, according to Israeli officials.