Israel okays new east Jerusalem homes dismaying US

[Naveed Yaseen]

JERUSALEM (November 18 2009): Israel gave approval on Tuesday for the construction of hundreds of new housing units in annexed Arab east Jerusalem, drawing Western criticism as it drove another stake into troubled Middle East peace efforts.

The interior ministry said it approved the construction of 900 new units in Gilo, one of a dozen Jewish settlements in east Jerusalem, in a move that flew in the face of Palestinian calls - that had had US backing - for a complete freeze on new building ahead of fresh peace talks.

Washington was quick to voice its unhappiness with the decision. "We are dismayed at the Jerusalem planning committee's decision to move forward on the approval process for the expansion of Gilo in Jerusalem," said White House spokesman Robert Gibbs. "At a time when we are working to relaunch negotiations, these actions make it more difficult for our efforts to succeed." Israeli news reports said that hawkish Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had rejected a request from his US ally to halt construction in Gilo. It was not clear whether the request specifically concerned the project okayed on Tuesday.

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