Updated on
Summary
Despite US pressure to halt settlement building Israel has officially approved the construction of more than 450 new homes in the occupied West Bank. This is the first new government-approved construction project in the West Bank since Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu came to power in March. This has hampered the peace talks between Palestine and Israel since the former refused to have talks until there is a complete halt to settlement construction. A senior Palestinian negotiator, Saeb Erekat, said Israel's decision further undermined its credibility as a partner for peace, Given the choice between making peace and making settlements, they have chosen to make settlements. The homes will be built in six settlements - all of which are included in the settlement blocs that Israel wants to keep under any peace agreement.
