Israel to build 455 homes on disputed site
A Palestinian woman walks through Erez Crossing from Israel back into the northern Gaza Strip September 6, 2009. REUTERS
JERUSALEM, Monday
Israel approved today the building of 455 settler homes in the occupied West Bank, a move opposed by its US ally and Palestinians but which could pave the way for a construction moratorium sought by Washington.
A Defence ministry list of the first such building permits since Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu took office in March showed the homes would be erected in areas Israel says it intends to keep in a future peace deal with the Palestinians.
Palestinian chief negotiator Saeb Erekat said Israel’s decision further undermined any belief that it is a credible partner for peace.
Israeli officials announced on Friday that Mr Netanyahu intended to give the go-ahead for the new projects in the occupied West Bank, drawing swift condemnation from the White House.
The permits, signed by Defence minister Ehud Barak, for 455 housing units were widely seen in Israel as an attempt by Mr Netanyahu to mollify pro-settler members of his government and Likud party before agreeing to a freeze of construction starts.
“This is a huge smokescreen,” said Mr Pinhas Wallerstein, a settler leader, suggesting the step was only a token gesture meant to mask a real intention to bend to US pressure to curb expansion.
Mr Netanyahu has resisted a complete moratorium, saying “natural growth” of settler families must be accommodated. (Reuters)
