(JTA) — Israel invited tenders for construction of 77 new homes in Jewish sections of eastern Jerusalem.
Citing Peace Now, an Israeli group opposed to settlements in the West Bank and eastern Jerusalem, i24 News reported that the tenders for Pisgat Zeev and Neve Yaakov on Monday were the first issued since the March 17 election.
The government last month also approved construction of 2,200 homes and authorized hundreds of previously illegal dwellings for Palestinians in Arab sections of eastern Jerusalem, according to Yediot Acharonot. Right-wing activists opposed the decision.
“Publication of the tenders for Jewish homes in east Jerusalem is liable to be an indicator from Netanyahu’s transitional government of what can perhaps be expected — God forbid — when the new government is formed,” Peace Now said in a statement. “Instead of changing direction and showing that Israel is ready for peace, Netanyahu is sticking to the line he held during his election campaign and seeking to prevent the chance of peace.”
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