Israel 'to back settlement work'

Published by You on 4 September, 2009 - 14:37

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu will approve more construction in West Bank settlements before considering a halt to building work, officials say.

The prime minister is expected to back work on hundreds of new homes next week in addition to 2,500 units already being built, a senior aide said.

He will then consider a temporary halt to settlement building, as requested by the US in a bid to restart peace talks.

The news angered the Palestinians who said it was "absolutely unacceptable".

"The only thing suspended by this announcement will be the peace process," Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erakat told the AFP news agency.

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Submitted by You on 7 September, 2009 - 18:49

Anger at Israeli settlement plan

Israel has officially approved the construction of more than 450 new homes in the occupied West Bank, the Israeli defence ministry has announced.

This is the first new government-approved construction project in the West Bank since Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu came to power in March.

It comes despite US pressure to halt settlement building.

A senior Palestinian negotiator, Saeb Erekat, said the move "nullified" the effect of any future building freeze.

Palestinians have ruled out resumption of peace talks with Israel until there is a complete halt to settlement construction.

Mr Erekat said Israel's decision further undermined its credibility as a partner for peace.

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"For too long, we have been a passively tolerant society, saying to our citizens 'as long as you obey the law, we will leave you alone'" - David Cameron, UK Prime Minister. 13 May 2015.

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