Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert gestures as he speaks with British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, not seen, during a joint press conference at his Jerusalem residence, Sunday, July 20, 2008.
(AP Photo/Ronen Zvulun,Pool)
Report: Israel to build settlement in West Bank
Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert gestures as he speaks with British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, not seen, during a joint press conference at his Jerusalem residence, Sunday, July 20, 2008.
(AP Photo/Ronen Zvulun,Pool)
JERUSALEM—Israel radio reports that Israel has given preliminary approval for the construction of a new Jewish settlement in the West Bank.
It would be the first new settlement established by Israel in several years.
The report says a committee has given the approval for the construction of 20 housing units in Maskiot and that Defense Minister Ehud Barak is slated to grant final approval soon.
Calls to Israeli spokespeople requesting comment were not immediately returned Thursday.
The news is certain to anger Palestinians just as the sides try to work out a final peace agreement by the end of the year.
Israel has committed not to establish new settlements in the West Bank, which the Palestinians want to include in a state.
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