Israel to build 850 new settlement units in the occupied West Bank
SMA NEWS – WEST BANK
Israel plans to approve the construction of 850 settlement units across the occupied West Bank, the Kan public broadcaster reported today.
According to the report, the Israeli Defence Ministry panel is set to green-light the construction at a meeting next week, which includes 500 houses in the West Bank settlements of Itamar, Beit El, Shavei Shomron, Oranit and Givat Ze’ev.
It also includes more than 100 units in the settlement of Tal Menashe, north of the West Bank.
“We’re here to stay. We’re continuing to build the Land of Israel!” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wrote on Facebook.
The order to advance the illegal constructions comes ten days before US President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration.
Israeli opposition politician Yair Lapid described the settlement plans as “irresponsible” and warned they would create new divisions with Biden’s administration, which takes office on 20 January.
He wrote on Twitter: “The Biden administration has not yet taken office, and the government is already leading us into an unnecessary confrontation.”
“The national interest must also be maintained during elections.”
