JERUSALEM (JTA) — An Israeli Defense Ministry committee approved the construction of nearly 2,000 homes in the West Bank.
Among the 1,957 homes approved Wednesday by the Civil Administration’s high planning subcommittee, 696 gained final backing for construction and tenders will be issued. Some 300 of those are located in isolated settlements.
The remaining homes received preliminary approval and will be considered again by the committee following public discussion. Most are in isolated settlements that Israel will likely have to evacuate within the framework of a two-state agreement, according to Peace Now. The plans include the authorization of two illegal outposts known as Zayit Raanan and Brosh.
Among the plans that were approved is the construction of 92 residential units on about half a square mile of land less than a mile from the Palestinian village of Khan al-Ahmar, which the Supreme Court last week authorized the Israeli government to demolish due to lack of building permits.
