29 dec 2015
Israel’s Ministry of Housing has been working on plans for thousands of housing units in the controversial E1 corridor, despite the cancellation of tenders for the units in 2013, a settlement watchdog reported.
International condemnation of settlement construction in the controversial area led Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to cancel the tenders at the time.
Israeli watchdog Peace Now reported Sunday, according to Ma'an, that the Ministry of Housing began “quietly” planning for 8372 housing units in the E1 area in November 2014, hiring architects to work on many of the plans that had been cancelled.
The revelations are likely to spark controversy, as construction in E1 would effectively split the West Bank into separate northern and southern parts, making the creation of a contiguous Palestinian state nearly impossible.
The ministry’s plans include moves to retroactively legalize a number of illegal outposts in occupied areas, as well as to create urban continuity between illegal settlements to Jerusalem, the watchdog said.
One of many plans underway would place 800 housing units between Palestinian areas of Al-Jib and Biddu, connecting the illegal Givat Zeev settlement to Jerusalem, preventing a potential Palestinian West to East corridor, Peace Now said.
One thousand units for the Jahalin Bedouin are also being planned, so that the tribe can be evicted them from the area of the illegal Maale Adumim settlement and E1 and moved to the planned village, the group reported.
Construction plans for over 12 thousand housing units in occupied East Jerusalem and the Old City are also underway by the Ministry of Housing, the report said, adding that around half of 55,548 settlement units expected to be built through the ministry's plans lie on the Palestinian side of the separation wall.
Yariv Oppenheimer, the director general of Peace Now, told Israeli daily Haaretz, “The government of Israel is not wasting a single day and is investing tens of millions of shekels in expanding and establishing new settlements.
“Behind the scenes they are secretly planning the establishment of a binational state,” he continued. In a meeting with US President Barack Obama last month, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu said that settlements were “not a core issue” in conflict between Israelis and Palestinians.
The PM said that the refusal by Palestinian leadership to acknowledge Israel as a Jewish state was the only impediment to establishing an independent Palestinian state.
The Israeli PM also denied that settlement expansion was taking over a significant portion of Palestinian land, saying that the “total amount of built-up land is….maybe one tenth of one percent.”
Netanyahu’s statement came as over 200 Israeli settlements and outposts continue to expand over Palestinian land, connected by government-built infrastructure intended for Israeli use only.
International condemnation of settlement construction in the controversial area led Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to cancel the tenders at the time.
Israeli watchdog Peace Now reported Sunday, according to Ma'an, that the Ministry of Housing began “quietly” planning for 8372 housing units in the E1 area in November 2014, hiring architects to work on many of the plans that had been cancelled.
The revelations are likely to spark controversy, as construction in E1 would effectively split the West Bank into separate northern and southern parts, making the creation of a contiguous Palestinian state nearly impossible.
The ministry’s plans include moves to retroactively legalize a number of illegal outposts in occupied areas, as well as to create urban continuity between illegal settlements to Jerusalem, the watchdog said.
One of many plans underway would place 800 housing units between Palestinian areas of Al-Jib and Biddu, connecting the illegal Givat Zeev settlement to Jerusalem, preventing a potential Palestinian West to East corridor, Peace Now said.
One thousand units for the Jahalin Bedouin are also being planned, so that the tribe can be evicted them from the area of the illegal Maale Adumim settlement and E1 and moved to the planned village, the group reported.
Construction plans for over 12 thousand housing units in occupied East Jerusalem and the Old City are also underway by the Ministry of Housing, the report said, adding that around half of 55,548 settlement units expected to be built through the ministry's plans lie on the Palestinian side of the separation wall.
Yariv Oppenheimer, the director general of Peace Now, told Israeli daily Haaretz, “The government of Israel is not wasting a single day and is investing tens of millions of shekels in expanding and establishing new settlements.
“Behind the scenes they are secretly planning the establishment of a binational state,” he continued. In a meeting with US President Barack Obama last month, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu said that settlements were “not a core issue” in conflict between Israelis and Palestinians.
The PM said that the refusal by Palestinian leadership to acknowledge Israel as a Jewish state was the only impediment to establishing an independent Palestinian state.
The Israeli PM also denied that settlement expansion was taking over a significant portion of Palestinian land, saying that the “total amount of built-up land is….maybe one tenth of one percent.”
Netanyahu’s statement came as over 200 Israeli settlements and outposts continue to expand over Palestinian land, connected by government-built infrastructure intended for Israeli use only.
22 dec 2015
The Supreme National Committee to follow up the International Criminal Court (ICC) slammed former ICC chief prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo over his claims that Israeli settlements do not breach international law.
The Supreme National Committee condemned Ocampo’s statement that the Israeli High Court approval of settlements as "legal" could save settlements from war crime label, al-Ray Media Agency reported.
Where the Israeli High Court of Justice has approved specific settlements as legal, this could provide a complete defense to any allegations that they are war crimes, former ICC chief prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo told The Jerusalem Post earlier this month.
Although Moreno-Ocampo has stepped down from his post, he was the boss of the current ICC chief prosecutor who will decide whether or not the settlements qualify as a war crime. He is considered highly influential internationally and his statement could be a major coup in the debate over the issue.
The Supreme Committee denounced his comments that “Israel’s High Court is highly respected internationally” and that anyone prosecuting Israelis regarding settlement activity would be incapable of proving criminal intent if those Israelis explained that they honestly believed their actions were legal once ratified by Israel's top court.
The spokesperson of the Supreme committee Ghazi Hamad expressed the committee's disappointment over Ocampo's remarks, considering them an attempt to acquit Israel of its heinous crimes being committed against the Palestinian people.
Hamad said that such legal justifications violated the International law and would not protect the Israeli occupation and its leaders from appearing before the international justice.
Hamad noted that the Supreme Committee considered Ocampo's statements a legal, political and moral scandal that has negative impacts on the international law.
The Supreme National Committee condemned Ocampo’s statement that the Israeli High Court approval of settlements as "legal" could save settlements from war crime label, al-Ray Media Agency reported.
Where the Israeli High Court of Justice has approved specific settlements as legal, this could provide a complete defense to any allegations that they are war crimes, former ICC chief prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo told The Jerusalem Post earlier this month.
Although Moreno-Ocampo has stepped down from his post, he was the boss of the current ICC chief prosecutor who will decide whether or not the settlements qualify as a war crime. He is considered highly influential internationally and his statement could be a major coup in the debate over the issue.
The Supreme Committee denounced his comments that “Israel’s High Court is highly respected internationally” and that anyone prosecuting Israelis regarding settlement activity would be incapable of proving criminal intent if those Israelis explained that they honestly believed their actions were legal once ratified by Israel's top court.
The spokesperson of the Supreme committee Ghazi Hamad expressed the committee's disappointment over Ocampo's remarks, considering them an attempt to acquit Israel of its heinous crimes being committed against the Palestinian people.
Hamad said that such legal justifications violated the International law and would not protect the Israeli occupation and its leaders from appearing before the international justice.
Hamad noted that the Supreme Committee considered Ocampo's statements a legal, political and moral scandal that has negative impacts on the international law.
21 dec 2015
It was recently reported in the Jerusalem Post that former Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Louis Moreno-Ocampo, allegedly claimed that the Israeli High Court’s rulings could safeguard Israel from being prosecuted for war crimes, and, in an interview with Times of Israel, he praised an Israeli Foreign Ministry document which claims that the settlements are legal.
In response, PLO Executive Committee member Dr. Hanan Ashrawi condemned Mr. Moreno-Ocampo’s alleged statements and said, according to the PNN:
“Instead of defending international law and ensuring compliance, Mr. Moreno-Ocampo is handing out advice to Israel on how to circumvent the ICC and how to adopt evasive tactics to avoid prosecution; this kind of “free advice” is counterproductive and renders him complicit in Israel’s violations and war crimes.
There is no legal basis to Mr. Moreno-Ocampo’s claims. International human rights law and international humanitarian law are very clear— it is enshrined in the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court of 1998, the Fourth Geneva Convention, the 2004 ICJ Advisory Opinion on the Wall, and the UN Security Council Resolution 465 (1980) that all settlements are illegal.
Contrary to Mr. Moreno-Ocampo’s beliefs, the Israeli High Court is not internationally accepted. It has never been the embodiment of integrity, and it is notorious for serving the interests of the occupation at the expense of the Palestinian people, their lands and rights. If Israel has nothing to hide, it should join the international community and ratify the Rome Statute.”
Dr. Ashrawi concluded, “After leaving his post, it is indeed disheartening that Mr. Moreno-Ocampo has tainted his record by attempting to find loopholes to accommodate Israel’s flagrant war crimes.
We will remain undeterred in our efforts to pursue all diplomatic and legal channels to hold Israel accountable at the ICC and other multinational organizations and agencies.”
In response, PLO Executive Committee member Dr. Hanan Ashrawi condemned Mr. Moreno-Ocampo’s alleged statements and said, according to the PNN:
“Instead of defending international law and ensuring compliance, Mr. Moreno-Ocampo is handing out advice to Israel on how to circumvent the ICC and how to adopt evasive tactics to avoid prosecution; this kind of “free advice” is counterproductive and renders him complicit in Israel’s violations and war crimes.
There is no legal basis to Mr. Moreno-Ocampo’s claims. International human rights law and international humanitarian law are very clear— it is enshrined in the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court of 1998, the Fourth Geneva Convention, the 2004 ICJ Advisory Opinion on the Wall, and the UN Security Council Resolution 465 (1980) that all settlements are illegal.
Contrary to Mr. Moreno-Ocampo’s beliefs, the Israeli High Court is not internationally accepted. It has never been the embodiment of integrity, and it is notorious for serving the interests of the occupation at the expense of the Palestinian people, their lands and rights. If Israel has nothing to hide, it should join the international community and ratify the Rome Statute.”
Dr. Ashrawi concluded, “After leaving his post, it is indeed disheartening that Mr. Moreno-Ocampo has tainted his record by attempting to find loopholes to accommodate Israel’s flagrant war crimes.
We will remain undeterred in our efforts to pursue all diplomatic and legal channels to hold Israel accountable at the ICC and other multinational organizations and agencies.”
18 dec 2015
Reports have recently been released on an Israeli plan to dismember Palestinian towns and villages by constructing more separation walls in the West Bank.
The Israeli Channel 2 said the army is planning to build nine-meter apartheid fences in Beit Ummar, the Arroub, and Gush Etzion areas, along with other areas of the West Bank.
According to the same source, the plan is allegedly carried out to prevent hurling stones and Molotov Cocktails on Israeli targets.
The Israeli occupation army has tightened grip on Palestinian towns and villages since the outbreak of the Jerusalem Intifada, in early October.
A 700-kilometer apartheid wall has been under construction by the Israeli occupation authorities since June 16, 2002 that will eventually tear West Bank towns and villages from limb to limb.
The plan also makes part of Israeli intents to hold sway over West Bank areas and force the Palestinians to leave their own homes in favor of illegal settlement expansion.
The Israeli Channel 2 said the army is planning to build nine-meter apartheid fences in Beit Ummar, the Arroub, and Gush Etzion areas, along with other areas of the West Bank.
According to the same source, the plan is allegedly carried out to prevent hurling stones and Molotov Cocktails on Israeli targets.
The Israeli occupation army has tightened grip on Palestinian towns and villages since the outbreak of the Jerusalem Intifada, in early October.
A 700-kilometer apartheid wall has been under construction by the Israeli occupation authorities since June 16, 2002 that will eventually tear West Bank towns and villages from limb to limb.
The plan also makes part of Israeli intents to hold sway over West Bank areas and force the Palestinians to leave their own homes in favor of illegal settlement expansion.
17 dec 2015
The Israeli district planning and building committee in Occupied Jerusalem approved a plan on Wednesday to build 891 housing units on the southern side of the holy city.
Israel's channel 7 said that the new housing units would be built in Gilo settlement, southeast of Jerusalem, affirming that deliberations on the plan had been frozen ahead of the last visit of Israeli premier Benjamin Netanyahu to Washington.
Deputy minister of housing Mickey Levy has blessed the decision to build these units in what he described as Israel's eternal capital and called for continuing construction activities in the city.
Israel's channel 7 said that the new housing units would be built in Gilo settlement, southeast of Jerusalem, affirming that deliberations on the plan had been frozen ahead of the last visit of Israeli premier Benjamin Netanyahu to Washington.
Deputy minister of housing Mickey Levy has blessed the decision to build these units in what he described as Israel's eternal capital and called for continuing construction activities in the city.
12 dec 2015
The district planning and building committee in Occupied Jerusalem recently approved the construction of 82 housing units as part of a two-stage plan in Shuafat neighborhood near the Old City.
The Hebrew newspaper Yerushalayim said on Friday that deliberations on the plan had been frozen by the committee prior to the last visit of Israeli premier Benjamin Netanyahu to Washington for fear it would have angered the White House as happened before.
According to the newspaper, the plan may be small in terms of its size, but it is an issue of great international sensitivity.
The same plan had stirred up angry reactions from the White House spokesperson in 2010 and severely strained the relations between the two sides at the time.
The plan involves the building of about 1,000 housing units in Ramat Shlomo settlement on Shuafat hill, north of Jerusalem, but 82 units were approved last week by the committee as a first stage.
The Hebrew newspaper Yerushalayim said on Friday that deliberations on the plan had been frozen by the committee prior to the last visit of Israeli premier Benjamin Netanyahu to Washington for fear it would have angered the White House as happened before.
According to the newspaper, the plan may be small in terms of its size, but it is an issue of great international sensitivity.
The same plan had stirred up angry reactions from the White House spokesperson in 2010 and severely strained the relations between the two sides at the time.
The plan involves the building of about 1,000 housing units in Ramat Shlomo settlement on Shuafat hill, north of Jerusalem, but 82 units were approved last week by the committee as a first stage.
9 dec 2015
Israeli daily Haartez published a report, on Tuesday, which revealed that a number of US charity organizations transferred about billion New Israeli Shekels (NIS) for the promotion of illegal settlements within the last five years.
The number of these organizations are estimated at about 50, Al Ray reports, and their donations are tax-deductable because they are considered to be "charitable" donations. Therefore, they are exempt from paying fees, according to the report.
The newspaper pointed out that this means the United States is indirectly funding the settlement project, which was opposed by every US administration over the past forty-eight years.
This massive US contribution to the development of settlements is reportedly being used to buy buildings in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, and to extend a helping hand to the families of Jews convicted of terrorism.
While settlements are considered illegal under international law, US taxpayers officially contribute over 3 billion dollars a year to the state of Israel. Late former US Congressman Jim Trafficant was in fact, quoted to say that “American taxpayers give Israel $15 to $20 billion, not $3 billion…while people in my district are losing their pensions…”
The number of these organizations are estimated at about 50, Al Ray reports, and their donations are tax-deductable because they are considered to be "charitable" donations. Therefore, they are exempt from paying fees, according to the report.
The newspaper pointed out that this means the United States is indirectly funding the settlement project, which was opposed by every US administration over the past forty-eight years.
This massive US contribution to the development of settlements is reportedly being used to buy buildings in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, and to extend a helping hand to the families of Jews convicted of terrorism.
While settlements are considered illegal under international law, US taxpayers officially contribute over 3 billion dollars a year to the state of Israel. Late former US Congressman Jim Trafficant was in fact, quoted to say that “American taxpayers give Israel $15 to $20 billion, not $3 billion…while people in my district are losing their pensions…”
1 dec 2015
Before his travel to Paris, Israeli premier Benjamin Netanyahu decided to reconsider his earlier decision to suspend approval for a building project planned for al-Buraq plaza in al-Aqsa Mosque.
The move comes to pave the way for the project’s final approval.
The controversial project of Beit Haliba is considered one of the largest settlement projects in occupied Jerusalem. The Israeli District Committee for Planning and Building has discussed the plan for three hours without revealing any details due to its sensitivity.
Well-informed sources said that a final approval is expected to be given for the plan during Tuesday's supplementary session.
The Beit Haliba settlement project includes the construction of an office building, a tourist center, and museum at al-Buraq plaza at the expense of al-Magaribah Quarter that was demolished on 1967.
The plan was earlier proposed in 2012 by the Israeli National Planning and Building Council; however, Netanyahu’s Office pulled the permit ahead of the council’s vote due to the security situation at that time.
Palestinian groups have voiced their strong opposition to and appealed against the Israeli project as it would be a violation of the status quo around the holy al-Aqsa Mosque.
The move comes to pave the way for the project’s final approval.
The controversial project of Beit Haliba is considered one of the largest settlement projects in occupied Jerusalem. The Israeli District Committee for Planning and Building has discussed the plan for three hours without revealing any details due to its sensitivity.
Well-informed sources said that a final approval is expected to be given for the plan during Tuesday's supplementary session.
The Beit Haliba settlement project includes the construction of an office building, a tourist center, and museum at al-Buraq plaza at the expense of al-Magaribah Quarter that was demolished on 1967.
The plan was earlier proposed in 2012 by the Israeli National Planning and Building Council; however, Netanyahu’s Office pulled the permit ahead of the council’s vote due to the security situation at that time.
Palestinian groups have voiced their strong opposition to and appealed against the Israeli project as it would be a violation of the status quo around the holy al-Aqsa Mosque.
27 nov 2015
In a press conference this week, the Obama administration rejected Israel’s government request to recognize the construction of new [illegal] settlements in the occupied West Bank.
The issue over new Israeli illegal settlements emerged between Washington and Tel Aviv on Tuesday, according to the PNN, as US Secretary of State John Kerry met with the Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu and with the Palestinian Authority President, Mahmoud Abbas, for the first time in more than a year.
During Kerry’s visit to Jerusalem, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly demanded US recognition of major Israeli illegal settlement blocs in the occupied West Bank in exchange for steps to ease tensions with the Palestinians.
However, according to the Press TV, the US State Department quickly rejected any suggestion that Washington would change its longstanding opposition to settlements or recognize them as legitimate.
The United States called the illegal settlements an obstacle to a two-state solution. “I can be very clear that we’re not changing – again, we’re not changing – the decades-old U.S. policy regarding settlements,” Mark Toner, a State Department spokesman, said last Tuesday.
When asked by the reporters about it more than once, Toner categorically rejected the possibility of recognizing the illegal settlements saying: “It’s a big no.”
“The US government has never defended or supported Israeli settlements and activity associated with them, and, by extension, does not pursue policies that would legitimize them,” Toner added.
Despite rejecting the request to recognize the illegal settlements, while in Jerusalem last Tuesday, Kerry stated that “Israel has every right to defend itself from terrorist attacks”.
There were no signs that Kerry made any progress during his meetings with Netanyahu and Abbas.
The issue over new Israeli illegal settlements emerged between Washington and Tel Aviv on Tuesday, according to the PNN, as US Secretary of State John Kerry met with the Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu and with the Palestinian Authority President, Mahmoud Abbas, for the first time in more than a year.
During Kerry’s visit to Jerusalem, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly demanded US recognition of major Israeli illegal settlement blocs in the occupied West Bank in exchange for steps to ease tensions with the Palestinians.
However, according to the Press TV, the US State Department quickly rejected any suggestion that Washington would change its longstanding opposition to settlements or recognize them as legitimate.
The United States called the illegal settlements an obstacle to a two-state solution. “I can be very clear that we’re not changing – again, we’re not changing – the decades-old U.S. policy regarding settlements,” Mark Toner, a State Department spokesman, said last Tuesday.
When asked by the reporters about it more than once, Toner categorically rejected the possibility of recognizing the illegal settlements saying: “It’s a big no.”
“The US government has never defended or supported Israeli settlements and activity associated with them, and, by extension, does not pursue policies that would legitimize them,” Toner added.
Despite rejecting the request to recognize the illegal settlements, while in Jerusalem last Tuesday, Kerry stated that “Israel has every right to defend itself from terrorist attacks”.
There were no signs that Kerry made any progress during his meetings with Netanyahu and Abbas.
26 nov 2015
Israeli war minister Moshe Ya’alon declared on Wednesday evening intention to construct a smart fence, separating the West Bank city of al-Khalil and the Lakhish Regional Council.
Ya'alon's remarks came in response to a motion filed by Likud MK Mickey Zohar to prevent Palestinian resistance operations.
The fence constitutes of a well-equipped electric panel with smart cameras.
"We are aware of the issue of the fence, and now with the budgetary approval for the massive fence we plan to build one similar to the border fence with Egypt - it will take some time but it will happen," the war minister vowed.
Meanwhile, a number of Palestinian youths managed overnight to throw a Molotov cocktail at an Israeli patrol stationed at Abu Rish checkpoint south of al-Khalil.
A second Molotov cocktail was thrown at a group of Israeli soldiers while storming and searching a number of local homes south of the city.
Following the incidents, Israeli forces intensified their presence in the area and closed all the main roads with concrete barriers.
Ya'alon's remarks came in response to a motion filed by Likud MK Mickey Zohar to prevent Palestinian resistance operations.
The fence constitutes of a well-equipped electric panel with smart cameras.
"We are aware of the issue of the fence, and now with the budgetary approval for the massive fence we plan to build one similar to the border fence with Egypt - it will take some time but it will happen," the war minister vowed.
Meanwhile, a number of Palestinian youths managed overnight to throw a Molotov cocktail at an Israeli patrol stationed at Abu Rish checkpoint south of al-Khalil.
A second Molotov cocktail was thrown at a group of Israeli soldiers while storming and searching a number of local homes south of the city.
Following the incidents, Israeli forces intensified their presence in the area and closed all the main roads with concrete barriers.
23 nov 2015
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Sunday endorsed the establishment of five new settlements compounds in the Negev.
Israeli radio quoted Netanyahu as claiming that the construction of the new settlements aim at the development of the Negev as well as developing high-technology industries in the area.
Ateyah al-Aasam, the president of the regional council of the unrecognized villages in Negev, confirmed that the Israeli Authority continued the preparation of 26 settlement plans on Negev’s lands. This means the start of displacing Palestinian residents of those unrecognized villages to the adjacent ones, he added.
Israeli radio quoted Netanyahu as claiming that the construction of the new settlements aim at the development of the Negev as well as developing high-technology industries in the area.
Ateyah al-Aasam, the president of the regional council of the unrecognized villages in Negev, confirmed that the Israeli Authority continued the preparation of 26 settlement plans on Negev’s lands. This means the start of displacing Palestinian residents of those unrecognized villages to the adjacent ones, he added.
19 nov 2015
Israeli Occupation Authority allowed the opening of two new roads over Palestinian lands to connect two settlements in the West Bank.
Haaretz Israeli newspaper revealed that the two new roads were opened to replace two other roads after Israeli Supreme Court issued an order to close them for being opened over lands owned by Palestinians.
In a report on Wednesday morning, Haaretz pointed out that this move is illegal and that the Israeli government took advantage of lacking a court order stipulating for halting the opening of the new roads despite its knowledge of the fact that the roads cross lands possessed by Palestinians too.
The new plan means Palestinian lands and farms will be seized and their freedom of movement severely crippled.
Haaretz Israeli newspaper revealed that the two new roads were opened to replace two other roads after Israeli Supreme Court issued an order to close them for being opened over lands owned by Palestinians.
In a report on Wednesday morning, Haaretz pointed out that this move is illegal and that the Israeli government took advantage of lacking a court order stipulating for halting the opening of the new roads despite its knowledge of the fact that the roads cross lands possessed by Palestinians too.
The new plan means Palestinian lands and farms will be seized and their freedom of movement severely crippled.
17 nov 2015
Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on Tuesday, approved the construction of 500 more illegal settlement units in the Ramat Shlomo settlement, occupied East Jerusalem.
The move, which sets the stage for 1,000 additional settlement units to be built, reportedly follows a two year de facto freeze following a diplomatic row with the United States.
This, according to PNN, moves in the frame of illegal Israeli expansion on Palestinian occupied land, in midst of intense international condemnation against all laws.
It also comes in the midst of growing frustration and clashes in both occupied Jerusalem and the West Bank as a whole.
Last Wednesday, the Israeli municipality in West Jerusalem approved the construction of 891 units in the Gilo settlement, which was constructed on Bethlehem territory in the occupied West Bank.
The day before, Netanyahu approved the construction of 2,200 settlement units in Ma’ale Michmas settlement east of Ramallah.
The move, which sets the stage for 1,000 additional settlement units to be built, reportedly follows a two year de facto freeze following a diplomatic row with the United States.
This, according to PNN, moves in the frame of illegal Israeli expansion on Palestinian occupied land, in midst of intense international condemnation against all laws.
It also comes in the midst of growing frustration and clashes in both occupied Jerusalem and the West Bank as a whole.
Last Wednesday, the Israeli municipality in West Jerusalem approved the construction of 891 units in the Gilo settlement, which was constructed on Bethlehem territory in the occupied West Bank.
The day before, Netanyahu approved the construction of 2,200 settlement units in Ma’ale Michmas settlement east of Ramallah.
16 nov 2015
The Hebrew radio has revealed an Israeli official plan to build a new outpost for Jewish settlers in Bab al-Sahera (Herod's Gate) in the Old City of Occupied Jerusalem.
The Israeli government on Sunday published on one of its websites a tender for the building of 21 housing units for settlers as well as a synagogue and a Jewish school in the Old City, according to the Israeli army's radio station.
The radio station quoted an Israeli official from the ministry of construction and housing as saying that the plan was deleted from the website after it was posted by mistake due to its sensitivity and the serious political repercussions that might result from it.
For its part, the Israeli settlement monitor group in Jerusalem Ir Amim denied the plan was announced by mistake and affirmed that it reflected the real intents of premier Benjamin Netanyahu in the holy city.
The Israeli government on Sunday published on one of its websites a tender for the building of 21 housing units for settlers as well as a synagogue and a Jewish school in the Old City, according to the Israeli army's radio station.
The radio station quoted an Israeli official from the ministry of construction and housing as saying that the plan was deleted from the website after it was posted by mistake due to its sensitivity and the serious political repercussions that might result from it.
For its part, the Israeli settlement monitor group in Jerusalem Ir Amim denied the plan was announced by mistake and affirmed that it reflected the real intents of premier Benjamin Netanyahu in the holy city.
14 nov 2015
The Jewish Home (Habayit Hayehudi) party has started to pressure Israeli premier Benjamin Netanyahu to fulfil his per-election pledges to officially allow settlement construction in Jerusalem and the West Bank, according to Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper on Friday.
Instead of thwarting a state budget vote in the Knesset, Yedioth Ahronoth said, the Jewish Home would use political maneuvers to force Netanyahu to lift a de facto freeze on settlement construction in east Jerusalem and the West Bank.
One of these maneuvers happened on Wednesday when two Jewish Home MKs, Shuli Moalem and Bezalel Smotrich, were no-shows at a Knesset vote on a bill proposed by the opposition party Yesh Atid, thereby letting it pass.
This came after settler leaders recently stepped up pressure on the Jewish Home to make it leverage the vote on the 2016 state budget for a resumption of settlement construction.
Instead of thwarting a state budget vote in the Knesset, Yedioth Ahronoth said, the Jewish Home would use political maneuvers to force Netanyahu to lift a de facto freeze on settlement construction in east Jerusalem and the West Bank.
One of these maneuvers happened on Wednesday when two Jewish Home MKs, Shuli Moalem and Bezalel Smotrich, were no-shows at a Knesset vote on a bill proposed by the opposition party Yesh Atid, thereby letting it pass.
This came after settler leaders recently stepped up pressure on the Jewish Home to make it leverage the vote on the 2016 state budget for a resumption of settlement construction.