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Israel OKs New West Bank Settlement Housing 450 Families


Israel has approved the construction of more than 450 new housing units in the West Bank, despite U.S. and Palestinian calls for a halt to settlement activity in the occupied territory.

Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak authorized the move Monday. It is the first authorization for new construction since Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu took office in March.

Saeb Erakat, the Palestinian Authority's chief negotiator, condemned Israel's decision in a statement Monday. Erakat said the move "undermines the belief that Israel is a credible partner for peace."

Even before the plan was approved, the proposal drew sharp rebukes from the Arab League and from the militant group Hamas.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas says anything less than a complete freeze on settlement activity by Israel is unacceptable. He vows that Palestinians will not resume negotiations (with Israel) until all Israeli construction in the West Bank is halted.

The United States has asked Israel to freeze all settlement expansion as part of efforts to reach peace with Palestinians.

U.S. special envoy George Mitchell is due back in the Middle East this week, and there are still expectations that Prime Minister Netanyahu eventually will order a temporary halt to settlement construction, in line with U.S. demands.

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