Israel approves 2,500 settler homes in West Bank
ISRAEL has approved the construction of 2,500 settler homes in the occupied West Bank, officials said yesterday, making good on promises to expand such building following the election of US President Donald Trump.
The plans, approved by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman, marked the largest recent announcement of settlement building by Israel.
The Defence Ministry announced the plans in a statement, saying most of the homes would be located within large settlement blocks in the West Bank. Around 100 are to be located in the settlement of Beit El near Ramallah.
Trump has signalled strong support for Israel, and Israeli right-wing politicians have sought to take advantage, with hardliners calling for an end to the idea of a Palestinian state.
Netanyahu has said he still supports a two-state solution, but reportedly told ministers on Sunday that all restrictions on building settlements in annexed east Jerusalem were being lifted.
He also said Sunday he plans to expand construction in large settlement blocks in the West Bank, Israeli media reported, and that he foresees eventually bringing all settlements under Israeli sovereignty.
A top Palestinian official said yesterday that Israel must face international action over the major expansion of settlement building in the West Bank.
“The international community must hold Israel accountable immediately for what it is doing,” Palestine Liberation Organisation secretary-general Saeb Erekat said.