Israel rules out freezing settlement construction

Israel granted the go-ahead yesterday for the construction of 1,100 new Jewish homes in east Jerusalem, and prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu ruled out any freeze in settlement building, raising already heightened tensions after last week’s Palestinian move to seek United Nations’ membership.

Israel’s interior ministry said the homes would be built in Gilo, a sprawling Jewish enclave in south-east Jerusalem. It said construction could begin after a 60-day period for public consultation.

The announcement drew swift condemnation from the Palestinians, who claim east Jerusalem as their future capital.

The United States said the decision was “counterproductive” and urged both Israel and the Palestinians not to take steps that could complicate the resumption of direct peace talks.

“We are deeply disappointed by this announcement by the government of Israel,” US state department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland said.

The European Union’s foreign policy chief, Lady (Catherine) Ashton, said the decision “should be reversed”.

The Palestinians have demanded that Israel halt all settlement construction in east Jerusalem and the adjacent West Bank – territories captured by Israel in the 1967 war – as a condition for resuming peace talks.

Since capturing east Jerusalem, Israel has annexed the area and ringed it with about ten Jewish enclaves that are meant to solidify its control.

Gilo, which is close to the Palestinian city of Bethlehem, is among the largest, with about 50,000 residents. Israel’s annexation of east Jerusalem has not been internationally recognised. In all, about 200,000 Jews live in east Jerusalem

Saeb Erekat, the chief Palestinian negotiator, said the Israeli decision amounted to “1,100 noes to the resumption of peace talks”.