Netanyahu wants housing reforms

Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu canceled a trip to Poland to deal with the housing crisis following nationwide protests, his office said. Netanyahu is expected to discuss the reforms at a press conference with Finance Minister Yuval Steinitz and Housing Minister Ariel Attias on Tuesday, The Jerusalem Post said. The announcement came as nationwide protests over the lack of affordable housing entered its 13th day. Officials close to Netanyahu described proposed reforms as "revolutionary" and said they will significantly improve the housing situation for young couples, demobilized soldiers and students, the Post said. The reforms are expected to include incentives for contractors to build low-cost housing in central districts where land will be allocated for such projects, the Post said. Incentives will also be given to those who convert office buildings to residential use, the paper said.