Workers have begun constructing a shopping mall near the West Bank Jewish settlement of Karnei Shomron. Housing Minister Benjamin Ben-Eliezer said he knew nothing about the project.
The Housing and Construction Ministry did not handle the request for building permits, since the shopping center did not involve residential units, Israel Radio reported.
The Palestinians have charged Israel with violating the peace accords by continuing building in the territories.
Local council leaders in Judea and Samaria said all permits for the $4.5 million project, funded by a Swiss Jew, had been secured.
The council head of Karnei Shomron said the mall would help develop the area, especially with the current freeze on building of housing.
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