MOSCOW, January 30 (Sputnik) — Israel intends to build 430 new homes in the occupied West Bank, as tweeted Friday by Terrestrial Jerusalem, an Israeli non-governmental organization (NGO).
"Breaking & important. The settlement floodgated open. For first time in months, Israel publishes tenders for 430 new W Bank settlement units," the NGO posted to its Twitter account.
Breaking & important. The settlement floodgated open. For first time in months, Israel pubishes tenders for 430 new W Bank settlement units
— TerrestrialJerusalem (@TJJerusalem) January 30, 2015
The Israeli NGO added that the new houses were to be built in four settlements across the West Bank. In particular, 112 units in Adam, 156 in Elkana, 78 in Alfei Menashe and 84 in Kiryat Arba.
The West Bank area is fiercely disputed between Palestinians and Israelis. It was occupied by Israel following the 1967 Six-Day War. Since then, Israel has built numerous settlements and recently announced new construction plans despite condemnation by Palestinians and the international community.
Later in November 2014, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu allocated $18 million to build 300 housing units in the West Bank settlement of Beit El.
The international community views Israeli settlements in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, as illegal. These settlements are a major stumbling block in Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiations.
