Israeli authorities have given the final approval to the building of 153 settler homes in the occupied East Jerusalem and plan to provide permits for thousands more in the upcoming months, Jerusalem's deputy mayor has said.

The Israeli government has boosted plans for settlements on occupied Palestinian territory, which are illegal under international law, since US President Donald Trump, whose administration does not oppose the settlement activity, took office last week.

Thursday's approvals were for the settlement neighbourhood of Gilo.

Jerusalem's Deputy Mayor Meir Turgeman told the AFP news agency that the approvals by a city planning committee were among those held up due to pressure from former US President Barack Obama's administration.

READ MORE: PA threatens to withdraw recognition of Israel

Turgeman also spoke of plans for about 11,000 homes in process for East Jerusalem.

"I'm going to deliver permits for thousands of homes in Jerusalem in the coming months," Turgeman said.



Israel has announced a major settlement expansion in the days following Trump's January 20 inauguration.



On Sunday, the city planning committee approved building permits for 566 settler homes in East Jerusalem.



Two days later, the defence ministry announced plans for 2,500 settler homes in the occupied West Bank.

READ MORE: UN condemns huge Israeli settlement plan

The United Nations on Wednesday joined the European Union in condemning Israel's accelerated settlement expansion initiatives.

Trump has pledged strong support for Israel, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government has moved quickly to take advantage.



The settlement expansion plans, which are major stumbling blocks to peace efforts as they are built on land the Palestinians see as part of their future state, have deeply concerned those seeking to salvage a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.



Obama's administration, like much of the world, has warned that settlement expansion was gradually eating away at prospects for a two-state solution.</s>JERUSALEM: Israeli officials gave final approval Thursday to 153 east Jerusalem settler homes, the deputy mayor said, adding to a sharp increase in such projects since US President Donald Trump took office.

Jerusalem Deputy Mayor Meir Turgeman told AFP the approvals by a city planning committee were among those held up due to pressure from former US president Barack Obama´s administration.

Following Trump´s inauguration, Turgeman spoke of plans for some 11,000 homes in process for annexed east Jerusalem.

"I´m going to deliver permits for thousands of homes in Jerusalem in the coming months," Turgeman said.

Thursday´s approvals were for the settlement neighbourhood of Gilo.

Israel has announced a major settlement expansion in the days following Trump´s January 20 inauguration.

On Sunday, the city planning committee approved building permits for 566 settler homes in east Jerusalem.

Two days later, the defence ministry announced plans for 2,500 settler homes in the occupied West Bank.

Trump has pledged strong support for Israel, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu´s government has moved quickly to take advantage.

In a telling break with the Obama administration, Trump´s White House has not condemned Israel´s settlement expansion.

The announcements have deeply concerned those seeking to salvage a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Settlements are viewed by much of the world as illegal and major stumbling blocks to peace efforts as they are built on land the Palestinians see as part of their future state.

Obama´s administration, like much of the world, warned that settlement expansion was gradually eating away at prospects for a two-state solution.

Israel approves 153 more east Jerusalem settler homes was posted in World of TheNews International - https://www.thenews.com.pk on January 26, 2017 and was last updated on January 26, 2017. This news story is related to Latest/181889-Israel-approves-153-more-east-Jerusalem-settler-homes/ - breaking news, latest news, pakistan ne. Permanent link to the news story "Israel approves 153 more east Jerusalem settler homes" is https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/181889-Israel-approves-153-more-east-Jerusalem-settler-homes.</s>Israeli officials gave final approval on Thursday to 153 east Jerusalem settler homes, the deputy mayor said, adding to a sharp increase in such projects since US President Donald Trump took office. Jerusalem Deputy Mayor Meir Turgeman told AFP the approvals by a city planning committee were among those held up due to pressure from former US president Barack Obama’s administration.

Following Trump’s inauguration, Turgeman spoke of plans for some 11,000 homes in process for annexed east Jerusalem. “I’m going to deliver permits for thousands of homes in Jerusalem in the coming months,” Turgeman said. Thursday’s approvals were for the settlement neighbourhood of Gilo.

Israel has announced a major settlement expansion in the days following Trump’s January 20 inauguration. On Sunday, the city planning committee approved building permits for 566 settler homes in east Jerusalem. Two days later, the defence ministry announced plans for 2,500 settler homes in the occupied West Bank. Trump has pledged strong support for Israel, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government has moved quickly to take advantage.

In a telling break with the Obama administration, Trump’s White House has not condemned Israel’s settlement expansion. The announcements have deeply concerned those seeking to salvage a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Settlements are viewed by much of the world as illegal and major stumbling blocks to peace efforts as they are built on land the Palestinians see as part of their future state.

Obama’s administration, like much of the world, warned that settlement expansion was gradually eating away at prospects for a two-state solution.</s>Israel has given green light to 153 additional settler homes in the occupied East Jerusalem after 2,500 housing units were approved in the West Bank. Another 11,000 buildings are expected to receive building permits, according to Jerusalem’s deputy mayor.

Israeli authorities are expanding plans for housing development on occupied Palestinian territory which is considered illegal by international law. The move comes after the inauguration of US President Donald Trump, who has voiced strong support for Israel, and dismissed criticism of the controversial settlement policy, which the previous White House administration maintained.



The permits by a city planning committee had been put on hold due to pressure from Barack Obama’s administration, Jerusalem Deputy Mayor Meir Turgeman said, according to The Times of Israel.

Earlier Sunday, the committee authorized the construction of 556 settler homes in east Jerusalem followed by 2,500 homes in the West Bank approved on Tuesday. 



“I’m going to deliver permits for thousands of homes in Jerusalem in the coming months,” Turgeman said.



The plans were approved by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman. The houses are to allow the settlements “to maintain regular daily life,” the ministry said in a statement.



“We’re building – and will continue to build,” Netanyahu said Tuesday, commenting on the approval.



Palestinians have called the announcement “land theft and colonialism.” The outcry came following the recent anti-settlement resolution at the United Nations.



Israel’s actions were also condemned by the United Nations along with the European Union on Wednesday.

Most part of the 2,500 buildings approved on Tuesday are to be set up in the large settlement areas in the city of Ariel as well as in the settlement of Givat Ze’ev, located north of Jerusalem.



According to Israeli media, the family of Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, sponsored this settlement.



Trump has promised strong support to Prime Minister Netanyahu regarding Israeli settlement policies unlike his predecessor Barack Obama. Trump may also move the US embassy to Jerusalem despite its contested legal status.



On Monday, Netanyahu reportedly said that he was planning to lift all restrictions on Israeli construction in East Jerusalem, Haaretz newspaper wrote, citing senior officials briefed on the situation.</s>Israeli officials gave final approval Thursday to 153 east Jerusalem settler homes, the deputy mayor said, adding to a sharp increase in such projects since U.S. President Donald Trump took office.



Jerusalem Deputy Mayor Meir Turgeman told AFP that the approvals by a city planning committee were among those held up due to pressure from former U.S. president Barack Obama's administration.



Turgeman said developers "could start building from tomorrow." Following Trump's inauguration, Turgeman spoke of plans for some 11,000 homes in process for annexed east Jerusalem.



"I'm going to deliver permits for thousands of homes in Jerusalem in the coming months," Turgeman said.



Thursday's approvals were for the settlement neighbourhood of Gilo.



Israel has announced a major settlement expansion in the days following Trump's January 20 inauguration.



On Sunday, Jerusalem's municipality approved the construction of 566 new settlement units in East Jerusalem. The plans, approved by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman, mark the largest recent announcement of settlement building by Israel. "We are building and will continue to build," Netanyahu said in the statement.



Two days later, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu approved the construction of 2,500 new settlement units in the occupied West Bank, according to a statement issued by his office on Tuesday.



Trump has pledged strong support for Israel, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government has moved quickly to take advantage. In a telling break with the Obama administration, Trump's White House has not condemned Israel's settlement expansion. The announcements have deeply concerned those seeking to salvage a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Obama's administration, like much of the world, warned that settlement expansion was gradually eating away at prospects for a two-state solution.



The Settlements are viewed by much of the world as illegal and a major stumbling block to peace efforts as they are built on land the Palestinians see as part of their future state.



"This decision is a challenge and provocation and disregard for the Arab world and the international community and requires a real and serious position from the entire world," he said. Trump is widely expected to be more sympathetic to Israel's settlement policies than the fiercely critical Obama administration, and has also vowed to move the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to contested Jerusalem.



Israel's nationalist government has welcomed the prospective change in policy, but it also risks igniting Palestinian and even regional unrest.



The Palestinians want the West Bank as well as the Gaza Strip and East Jerusalem — areas captured by Israel in the 1967 war — as part of their hoped-for state. They, along with much of the international community, view the Israeli settlements as illegal. Nabil Abu Rdeneh, a spokesman for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, condemned the latest settlement plans, saying they would hurt peace hopes and "promote extremism and terrorism."



Meanwhile, the international community continued to condemn the Israeli announcement over the new settler homes in the occupied Palestinian territory saying that it would "further seriously undermine" prospects for two-state solution. Mogherini said settlements in West Bank and East Jerusalem are illegal under international law.



The Russian Foreign Ministry described Israel's recent decision to build a host of new Jewish-only housing units in the occupied West Bank as "illegal"." In accordance with international law, this decision by Israel is illegal," the ministry said in a statement.</s>Israel has given green light to 153 additional settler homes in the occupied East Jerusalem after 2,500 housing units were approved in the West Bank. Another 11,000 buildings are expected to receive building permits, according to Jerusalem's deputy mayor.The permits by a city planning committee had been put on hold due to pressure from Barack Obama's administration, Jerusalem Deputy Mayor Meir Turgeman said, according to The Times of Israel.Earlier Sunday, the committee authorized the construction of 556 settler homes in east Jerusalem followed by 2,500 homes in the West Bank approved on Tuesday.The plans were approved by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman. The houses are to allow the settlements "to maintain regular daily life," the ministry said in a statement.Palestinians have called the announcement "land theft and colonialism." The outcry came following the recent anti-settlement resolution at the United Nations.Israel's actions were also condemned by the United Nations along with the European Union on Wednesday.Most part of the 2,500 buildings approved on Tuesday are to be set up in the large settlement areas in the city of Ariel as well as in the settlement of Givat Ze'ev, located north of Jerusalem.According to Israeli media, the family of Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, sponsored this settlement.Trump has promised strong support to Prime Minister Netanyahu regarding Israeli settlement policies unlike his predecessor Barack Obama. Trump may also move the US embassy to Jerusalem despite its contested legal status.</s>Israel has approved another 153 settler homes in occupied East Jerusalem and planning permits for another 11,000 buildings, the city’s deputy mayor has said.

The vast expansion in building over the 1967 Green Line – viewed as illegal by the international community – comes after the announcement of thousands more homes in East Jerusalem and the West Bank in the last week.

The bold new policy approach has come into effect since US President Donald Trump – who is sympathetic to Israeli interests – took office last week.

The planned permits had been previously held up until the end of former President Barack Obama’s tenure, said Meir Turgeman, chair of the city hall’s planning and building committee, on Thursday. Mr Obama’s administration was critical of Israeli settlements, warning that such construction was chipping away at hopes for a two-state solution.

The additional 153 buildings will be located in Gilo, an established settlement neighbourhood. The move comes after 566 new settler housing units were announced last Sunday.

Separately, Israel’s Defence Ministry announced on Monday a planned 2,500 homes in the West Bank.

Both the United Nations and the European Union condemned the accelerated settlement expansion initiatives earlier this week.

The Palestine Liberation Organisation has demanded international action on the major expansions, saying in a statement it believed the Israeli moves came as a result of “what they consider encouragement by American President Donald Trump.”

The incoming Trump administration has struck a much less critical tone towards Israel than his predecessor.

Mr Trump spoke with Isareli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday in what was described as a “very warm” conversation.

His pick for ambassador to the country, David Friedman, is strongly pro-settlements.

Since the 1970s successive Israeli governments have encouraged large numbers of Jews to move onto what is viewed internationally as occupied land.

The total settler population in the West Bank is now thought to be 550,000 strong.

Settlement building, which has increased year-on-year under the right-wing Mr Netanyahu, is viewed as one of the major stumbling blocks to a lasting peace deal in the long-standing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Mr Netanyahu says the Palestinian failure to recognise Israel as a Jewish state is the biggest obstacle to peace, rather than settlements.</s>The Jerusalem municipality has approved the construction of 560 new settlement units in occupied East Jerusalem.

The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has condemned the West Jerusalem municipality’s approval of a plan to construct 560 settlement units in occupied East Jerusalem on Monday.

The Jerusalem Planning and Housing Committee approved the sweeping settlement expansion project on Sunday. The units will be allocated to the settlements of Pisgat Ze’ev, Ramot, and Ramat Shlomo.

“The Israeli government, headed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has begun setting up obstacles in front of the administration of the new US President Donald Trump to counter peace efforts between the two sides,” the ministry said in a statement.

In December 2016, a member of the Jerusalem Planning and Housing Committee said that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu postponed a vote on the same settlement project, due to fear of straining ties with the U.S. The plan’s approval suggests that such fear has dissipated since the inauguration of US President Donald Trump.

Netanyahu also told his security cabinet, on Sunday, that he would lift all restrictions on settlement construction in East Jerusalem “resulting from international diplomatic pressure.”

The Israeli occupation’s accelerated colonization of Jerusalem stands in direct opposition to United Nations Security Council resolution 2334, which passed on December 23, 2016. The resolution demands an immediate halt to Israeli settlement construction and reiterates the practice as a “flagrant violation” of international law.

“Enforcing United Nations Security Council resolution 2334 has become a priority, because it guarantees the resumption of peace and fruitful negotiations,” the Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs concluded on Monday.

~ Alternative Information Center (AIC), Edited for the IMEMC by chris @ imemc.org</s>JERUSALEM (JTA) — A Jerusalem municipal planning committee approved the construction of 153 housing units in a Jewish neighborhood of eastern Jerusalem.

The permissions Thursday for the Gilo neighborhood follow days after construction was approved for 566 housing units in the eastern Jerusalem neighborhoods of Ramot, Ramat Shlomo and Pisgat Zeev, and two days after Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced plans for 2,500 housing units in the West Bank.

Jerusalem Deputy Mayor Meir Turgeman told the French news agency AFP that the approvals Thursday were among those held up due to U.S. pressure under the Obama administration,

The White House has not condemned any of the announcements, but Sean Spicer, the White House spokesman, said Tuesday at the daily briefing for reporters that President Donald Trump would discuss the recent settlement expansion plans when he meets next month with Netanyahu. Israeli leaders perceive Trump as more supportive of settlement construction.</s>New report reveals top Israeli official living in illegal colonial settlement

An Israeli Finance Minister, who is in charge of implementing a law to demolish Palestinian homes in the West Bank, is himself living in an unlicensed building in an illegal colonial settlement on Occupied Palestinian land – and he is just one of many Israeli officials living in illegal settlements, according to a new report.

The report, released Wednesday by the Palestine Liberation Organization, documented a number of top Israeli officials, many of whom are tasked with displacing Palestinians or demolishing their homes, living on illegally seized Palestinian land.

The Israeli Finance Minister Avi Cohen, lives in a colonial settlement outpost of 40 fixed and mobile structures, which was constructed on land stolen from Palestinian owners in the villages of Qaryout, Saweiya and Al-Luban in the Nablus region.

The settlement where Cohen lives is an expansion of the larger settlement of ‘Eli’ and is known as ‘Bilgi Maime’. But the Israeli government did not approve this expansion, and Cohen’s part in building his home on stolen Palestinian land is in direct violation of both Israeli and international law. However, since Cohen has headed the Regional Unit on Planning and Construction, under his watch the unit has tacitly and actively allowed the expansion of settlements like Bilgi Maime on Palestinian land.

Cohen himself was in charge of issuing demolition orders against Palestinian homes, including some that were demolished in order to make way for the construction of Cohen’s illegal settlement outpost. He also defied an Israeli court order to dismantle the outpost, which was reiterated every year from 2001 – 2007.

Cohen is one of a number of Israeli officials who are either living in or contributing to illegal Israeli settlement outposts on stolen Palestinian land. During a recent investigation into corruption charges against the Yisrael Beitenu Party , the Israeli police discovered that Agriculture Minister, Uri Ariel, transferred government funds to pay for the debts of a settlement company that works in the West Bank named the Samaria Development Co.

The new report found that a fund of NIS 2.4 million was transferred to a private company from Israeli taxpayers to the executive arm of Aamnah Movement, which is active in the field of settlement construction.

This comes in the context of a new campaign of collective punishment against Palestinian residents of the neighborhood of Jabal al-Mukaber in Jerusalem, after one resident of the town ran his truck over a group of Israeli soldiers.

Meir Turgeman, deputy mayor of the occupation municipality in Jerusalem, and head of the local planning and construction committee, announced that he intends to impose collective punishment against the family members and neighbors of the deceased attacker.

The Israeli campaign also includes a resolution by the occupation Minister of interior, who ordered the seizure of 12 identity passes from members of Kanbar family (forcing these residents to move from their homes into internal displacement), and the distribution of demolition notices against 81 houses in the Al-Kanbar, Al-Jdeirh and Salaah neighborhoods, belonging to families of Al-Kabnbar, Al-Jdeirh and Salaah, under the pretext of being built without licenses.

Moreover, the campaign has also involved closing the main roads, which disturbed the movement of transportation, as well as preventing people from going to work and school, and hindered the ability to provide first aid.

Troops also invaded several agricultural and commercial stores, asking their owners to leave the areas, and finally threatened to carry out the demolition orders.
Israeli authorities approve 153 construction permits for settlement homes in East Jerusalem, and plan to approve another 11,000 in the coming months.