27414792 Israel to build thousands of new homes in East Jerusalem
The Israeli authorities allowed the construction of 942 new homes in East Jerusalem. It is reported by Agence France-Presse. The territory of the permitted building occupies 88,000 square meters and includes the area for another 300 buildings, which may be added to the plan in the future. Earlier Monday, it became known that Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak signed a plan to expand the six Jewish settlements in the north-western sector of the West Bank. This document formally recognizes the legitimacy of the previously erected illegal structures. At the same time, it does not permit the construction of new structures without special orders by the Israeli Government. It is worth noting that these decisions were made on the eve of the visit of Israeli President Shimon Peres in the U.S. where he will meet with President Barack Obama. The United States has consistently opposed the expansion and construction of new settlements, considering it an obstacle to peace. Construction of Jewish settlements in East Jerusalem and the West Bank is one of the most difficult aspects of the Palestinian-Israeli settlement. Since 2010 the construction was introduced 10-month moratorium, which was intended to help the parties better able to negotiate. After the expiration of Israel resumed construction, but the Palestinian side refused to continue negotiations, demanding the extension of the moratorium.
