New Israeli Settlements in West Bank

The Israeli government announced plans to build 100 new homes on settlements in the occupied West Bank, inviting citizens to move in despite a freeze on settlement growth outlined in the 2003 “road map for peace.” Israel has argued that only new settlements are forbidden under the agreement, not increased population on existing settlement land.

The BBC:

The houses are to be built at Ariel and El Kana in the northern West Bank, despite international calls for a freeze on settlement activity.

Israel argues its requirement to freeze settlements under the 2003 peace roadmap does not apply here.

Palestinian official Saeb Erakat said the building “sabotaged” peace efforts.

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Jewish settlements in the West Bank are considered illegal under international law, though Israel disputes that.