Germany in West Bank homes plea

Germany has criticised Israel’s plans to build about 3,000 new housing units in West Bank settlements, saying they undermine the possibility of a two-state solution to the long conflict with the Palestinians.

The anti- settlement monitoring group Peace Now said Israel had advanced plansfor the new units, which would eclipse the number of homes in the area approved last year.

The German foreign ministry yesterday called for Israel to refrain from going ahead with the plans. Germany is an important ally and also enjoys good relations with the Palestinians. It has long supported the two- state solution.