Subscribe to Print Edition | Mon., March 09, 2009 Adar 13, 5769 | | Israel Time: 22:19 (EST+7)
Haaretz israel news English
web haaretz.com
Haaretz Toolbar
Diplomacy
Defense Jewish World Opinion National
Print Edition
Car Rental
Books Haaretz Magazine Business Real Estate Joy of Giving Travel Week's End Anglo File
Last update - 22:29 02/03/2009
Peace Now: Israel planning 73,300 new homes in West Bank
By Sara Miller, Haaretz Correspondent
Tags: Israel settlements, Netanyahu 

A report by the Israeli left-wing NGO Peace Now released Monday says that the government is planning to build more than 73,300 new housing units in the West Bank.

Peace Now estimates that if all of the units are built, it would mean a 100-percent increase in the total number of Israeli settlers. The report says that some settlements, including the two largest Ariel and Ma'aleh Adumim, would double in size.

According to the report, approval has already been granted for the construction of 15,000 housing units, and is pending for a further 58,000 units.

The report states that 5,722 of the planned housing units are in East Jerusalem, and some 9,000 units in total have already been built.


Peace Now map showing planned settlement construction beyond
East Jerusalem, on both sides of the West Bank fence.


Peace Now says that a new right-wing government presents the danger of "expanding settlement growth at a rapid pace... with the clear intention of destroying the possibility of a two-state solution."

Prime Minister-designate Benjamin Netanyahu of the rightist Likud party, tapped to form the new government after the February 10 elections, has expressed his opposition to a two-state solution. He also said that while a Likud government would not build new settlements, it would allow natural growth in existing ones.

But the Peace Now report says 17,000 units are planned for Gush Etzion, near Bethelehem, to be built outside existing settlements.

The report also states some 19,000 of the planned homes would be built beyond the route of the West Bank separation fence, including in Kiryat Arba in Hebron and Ariel.

In total, the report says, the planned West Bank homes account for 22 percent of housing units currently planned by the Housing Ministry.

Responding to the report, the Housing Ministry said Peace Now was making "a big deal out of nothing."

It said the plans gave only a general picture of the potential for settlement building and actual projects and construction were conditional on policies set by the ministers of housing and defense.

MK Yaakov Katz of the right wing National Union on Monday welcomed the news that Israel is pushing ahead with construction in the West Bank.

"We will make every effort to realize the plans outlined by [Peace Now official Yariv] Oppenheimer," Katz told Army Radio on Monday. "I expect that, with God's help, this will all happen in the next few years, and there will be one state here."

National Union is pushing for increased settlement construction as part of a coalition deal with Netanyahu, and Katz is among those jostling for the post of Housing Minister.

Settlement expansion has long been a source of contention between Israel and the international community, in particular the U.S. The Obama administration is planning to put heavy pressure on the new Israeli government to freeze all settlement construction.

Deputy U.S. State Department Spokesman Gordon Duguid issued a response later Monday, saying "what we do have to say we have said many times from this podium, that we call on both sides not to take any actions that exacerbate tensions in the region. But I don?t have any particular information on this report."

Related articles:
  • Netanyahu: Likud-led coalition wouldn't build new settlements
  • U.S. expected to pressure Israel on settlement construction
  • National Union to demand Likud unfreeze settlement construction

    Related links:
  • Peace Now report on West Bank construction, March 2009
  • Peace Now Website
  • Israel Construction and Housing Ministry

    Haaretz is not responsible for content on other Websites
    • Bookmark to del.icio.us  
     
    Surprise victory
    Israel defeats Sweden 3-2 to advance to Davis Cup tennis quarterfinals.
    Nuclear threshold
    MI chief: Iran has crossed 'technological threshold' in quest for nukes
      1.   Best News I have Heard In a Long Time! 11:01  |  Josh 02/03/09
      2.   We Are Growing At A Rate THREE Times That Of Israel As A Whole 11:09  |  Yishai Kohen 02/03/09
      3.   Hey, dummies, made up your mind? 11:11  |  Andreas 02/03/09
      4.   wow! 11:18  |  Marlon 02/03/09
      5.   What will happen PN members have to take a loyalty pledge? 11:22  |  redbourn 02/03/09
      6.   Long overdue 11:22  |  JD 02/03/09
      7.   And what does it tell us...???? 11:26  |  Swiss (Dino) 02/03/09
      8.   kol hakavod 11:29  |  Chaim Aschlocher 02/03/09
      9.   Wiping Palestine off The Map 11:42  |  JJ 02/03/09
      10.   new building units in West Bank 11:45  |  RS 02/03/09
      11.   Great news!! 11:46  |  Shimon 02/03/09
      12.   declre peace now foreign enemy of the state 11:58  |  v hardman 02/03/09
      13.   What`s wrong with building houses for israelis? 12:02  |  Khaled 02/03/09
      14.   ?Peace Now? a humanitarian movement ? 12:03  |  Jean Van Daem 02/03/09
      15.   no peace agreements with israel !!!!!!!!!!! 12:13  |  abraham 02/03/09
      16.   West Bank expansion - plus ! 12:30  |  DT 02/03/09
      17.   Libbenstraum 12:45  |  CD 02/03/09
      18.   RS #9 Where in Eretz Hakodesh do you live? 12:53  |  Ari ben Yisrael 02/03/09
      19.   73,300 new homes 12:56  |  PCR 02/03/09
      20.   Wonderful, if Palestinians can likewise build west of Green Line 13:05  |  Ivar 02/03/09
      21.   Double the number of illegal settlers? 13:08  |  Jens 02/03/09
      22.   Is the 77 % Israeli, 23% Pal Green Line division not enough??? 13:08  |  Ivar 02/03/09
      23.   It`s Called Natural Growth 13:15  |  Baruch Gold 02/03/09
      24.   Peace Now Hated In Israel More than Hamas 13:28  |  Baruch Gold 02/03/09
      25.   Israel renews its commitment to peace 13:37  |  Brian 02/03/09
      26.   #12 - do you see Hamas as part of a peace agreement? 13:37  |  redbourn 02/03/09
      27.   Are you for real? 14:01  |  No joke! 02/03/09
      28.   To GOLD 14:08  |  Gili 02/03/09
      29.   mandate for palestine 14:15  |  mark 02/03/09
      30.   # 18 mark 14:25  |  Axel 02/03/09
      31.   TO BARUCH 14:41  |  Michael 02/03/09
      32.   If that is the case... 14:47  |  Michael 02/03/09
      33.   Israel planning 73,300 new homes 14:53  |  ILetzter 02/03/09
      34.   Even without another piece of evidence 14:54  |  Axel 02/03/09
      35.   73.300 new homes 14:59  |  Sergio 02/03/09
      36.   # 22 baruch 15:01  |  Axel 02/03/09
      37.   Israel wants more 15:07  |  Bill 02/03/09
      38.   The best news ever 15:13  |  Joe 02/03/09
      39.   Housing 15:23  |  Bill 02/03/09
      40.   2 State Solution? Nonsense! 16:00  |  Harold 02/03/09
      41.   Peace process 16:03  |  Observer 02/03/09
      42.   Just 8 years ago, there would have been no Jews left there 16:12  |  Dani 02/03/09
      43.   You made my day 16:16  |  Gar Styre 02/03/09
      44.   Building 16:25  |  Settler 02/03/09
      45.   The duplicity of Israel`s "leaders" 16:27  |  Joan 02/03/09
      46.   Natural growth (just like China). 16:30  |  yoyo 02/03/09
      47.   offer west bank palestineans citizenship 16:30  |  Dave Duncan 02/03/09
      48.   bad for peace process 16:32  |  As`ad (Angry Arab) 02/03/09
      49.   Who`s Land? 16:33  |  Gary 02/03/09
      50.   Peace Now: Israel planning 73,300 16:36  |  emile Tubiana 02/03/09
      51.   to.#35 16:37  |  Gary 02/03/09
      52.   New Homes 16:46  |  Nate 02/03/09
      53.   The duplicity of Israel`s "leaders" 16:52  |  Joan 02/03/09
      54.   Joe`s `modern democracy` 16:52  |  Ronnie Green 02/03/09
      55.   Are you all out of your mind? 17:00  |  Amos 02/03/09
      56.   to axel, michael & bill 17:02  |  elimelech 02/03/09
      57.   Yet more settlements on West bank 17:03  |  Denis C. Gray 02/03/09
      58.   "a big deal out of nothing" 17:05  |  newageblues 02/03/09
      59.   sergio #34 17:06  |  elimelech 02/03/09
      60.   Peace Now: Israel planning 73,300 new homes in West Bank 17:13  |  n 02/03/09
      61.   Isreal: Rogue state !! 17:13  |  Alex 02/03/09
      62.   Peace Now?? HA HA 17:30  |  Yehuda 02/03/09
      63.   To Swiss (Dino # 6). Here`s what it REALLY tells us. 17:34  |  flyingdoc57 02/03/09
      64.   Buliding in Palestine 17:38  |  David 02/03/09
      65.   The duplicity of Israel`s "leaders" 18:03  |  Joan 02/03/09
      66.   If Israelis can`t live with Palestinians what Peace the NGO`s are 18:17  |  Akram Zekaria 02/03/09
      67.   35axel"start building homes for new, young, Palestinian families" 18:38  |  just wondering 02/03/09
      68.   This is OUR Land therefore WE build 18:53  |  Proud Jew 02/03/09
      69.   why not the whole East Jerusalem & WB 18:54  |  George Duraisingh 02/03/09
      70.   Double morals 18:57  |  Christian 02/03/09
      71.   west bank 19:16  |  yoni 02/03/09
      72.   The duplicity of Israel`s "leaders" 19:19  |  Joan 02/03/09
      73.   Great news 19:22  |  rico 02/03/09
      74.   Double!! Triple!!! Quadruple!!!!... 19:24  |  The pragmatic 02/03/09
      75.   The doublespeak is not even funny any more 19:31  |  Outsider 02/03/09
      76.   New homese in the West Bank 19:41  |  Abbie Lipschutz 02/03/09
      77.   Hey Peace Now... 19:46  |  Heather Czerniak 02/03/09
      78.   Great News!! 20:06  |  Mark 02/03/09
      79.   #43 Heather you are badly misinformed 20:24  |  Labhras 02/03/09
      80.   Arabs still do not get it. Time is running out for them as Israel 20:27  |  common sense 02/03/09
      81.   The Thieves of Zionism 20:30  |  Randle Bate 02/03/09
      82.   FANTASTIC NEWS! Let`s keep up the great work. 20:38  |  Chaim 02/03/09
      83.   Israeli gangsterism pure and simple 20:39  |  Michael N 02/03/09
      84.   Obama needs to give an economic stimulus package to Caterpiller 21:21  |  binny 02/03/09
      85.   Yishai #2... Growing at the expense of Israel and Palestine 21:31  |  Esther 02/03/09
      86.   to Yishai Kohen. Make sure you don`t forget couple of things 21:33  |  zmogus 02/03/09
      87.   Build, baby, build !!! 21:50  |  Akiva P 02/03/09
      88.   #79 Labhras 21:54  |  Elina 02/03/09
      89.   the most troublesome aspect 21:55  |  rm 02/03/09
      90.   What kind of "Traum" ? 21:59  |  David 02/03/09
      91.   Why isn`t peace now tracking arab settlements? 21:59  |  Marco 02/03/09
      92.   to Heather Czerniak 22:00  |  rm 02/03/09
      93.   Well there is one `positive` side to it 22:04  |  rm 02/03/09
      94.   Before it is too late 22:05  |  The Wise Bard 02/03/09
      95.   Israel does not want peace. 22:07  |  RG 02/03/09
      96.   something common in Israel and Iran 22:18  |  Marvin Gaye 02/03/09
      97.   Marco #91... Arab settlements...?! 22:21  |  Esther 02/03/09
      98.   #88 Elina Good to see you back 22:41  |  Labhras 02/03/09
      99.   Marco, your question is easy to answer 22:44  |  zmogus 02/03/09
      100.   But Marco--The west bank (was Judea ans Samaria) are occupied 22:47  |  Labhras 02/03/09
      101.   It is Israel`s Land 23:01  |  Brod 02/03/09
      102.   "Disputed" territories of the World 23:17  |  Baruch Gold 02/03/09
      103.   Let there be one state 23:18  |  David 02/03/09
      104.   I would like to Thank Shalom Akhshav 23:26  |  Shimon 02/03/09
      105.   #47 Dave Duncan 23:32  |  Johnboy 02/03/09
      106.   Land Tenure 23:33  |  PCR 02/03/09
      107.   Moving closer to the ONE STATE SOLUTION 23:35  |  Ibrahim 02/03/09
      108.   Support for two separate states 23:46  |  Ann 02/03/09
      109.   There is no substitut for peace 23:47  |  Sidi 02/03/09
      110.   And Israelis Whine when rockets come towards them 23:52  |  Marc Lebanon 02/03/09
      111.   Canaan is an EVERLASTING possession of the Jewish people (PART 2) 23:56  |  David 02/03/09
      112.   Canaan is an EVERLASTING possession of the Jewish people (PART 1) 23:57  |  David 02/03/09
      113.   David parts 1 and 2, short answer, don`t hold your breath 00:27  |  alan 03/03/09
      114.   Palestinians to Jordan #108 00:32  |  PCR 03/03/09
      115.   Genesis 00:46  |  PCR 03/03/09
      116.   Among the many 00:46  |  Darlene Wallach 03/03/09
      117.   Apartheid 00:47  |  Mandelarab 03/03/09
      118.   #102 One small distinction, Barach 00:50  |  Johnboy 03/03/09
      119.   David and Cannan 00:53  |  Joan 03/03/09
      120.   Build houses for Israelis 00:58  |  Nezam el Jenini 03/03/09
      121.   #106 Walked away or kicked out by Rome? 01:04  |  DesMnsDave 03/03/09
      122.   #95 Who turned down the last two peace accords? 01:06  |  DesMnsDave 03/03/09
      123.   The great land rush, 2009. 01:32  |  Stephen. 03/03/09
      124.   #101 Well said I am thrilled to read this,and.. 01:36  |  Whiskey 03/03/09
      125.   #122 01:38  |  Sanity 03/03/09
      126.   #13 Oh Khaled I liked your post... 01:39  |  Whiskey 03/03/09
      127.   Marco - you are very ignorant 01:41  |  Ronnie Green 03/03/09
      128.   #121 01:43  |  sanity 03/03/09
      129.   #49 Who`s Land? Our Land..The Land of The Jews. 01:54  |  Whiskey 03/03/09
      130.   According to Road Map commitments, Israel cannot engage in 01:54  |  Smadar 03/03/09
      131.   Joe: Can`t tell if you are serious or not 02:03  |  Yitzhak 03/03/09
      132.   Killing me softly .... 02:25  |  ruiz 03/03/09
      133.   80 percent of Palestine became Jordan. Palestinians should go 02:31  |  John Doe 03/03/09
      134.   #107 They can go live in Gaza. 02:31  |  CLL 03/03/09
      135.   #129 Ahem, Whiskey.... 02:34  |  Johnboy 03/03/09
      136.   RE Ibrahim 05:25  |  Shlomog 03/03/09
      137.   There goes the neighbourhood 06:28  |  Morris Valentine 03/03/09
      138.   #98 Labhras, thanks for the advice, again 08:30  |  Elina 03/03/09
      139.   look at my works ye mighty ,and eat heart out 09:37  |  marv egon 03/03/09
      140.   73000 new homes is good news 09:47  |  Gregor 03/03/09
      141.   Israel is digging its own grave !!! 18:10  |  Alex 03/03/09
      142.   Peace Now: Israel planning 73,300 new homes in West Bank 23:15  |  leib 03/03/09
      143.   Kol Hakavod! I hope for more!! 23:21  |  Lobo 03/03/09
      144.   `Peace now` please check into the number of illigal 10:08  |  lily 04/03/09
      145.   new settlements in West Bank 16:01  |  Kathleen 04/03/09
      146.   AL JAZEERA RUNNING.... 18:05  |  Mary 04/03/09
      147.   LOL at thinking Israel is a normal country 20:36  |  Wisdom 04/03/09
      148.   Building plans 20:40  |  Tamar 07/03/09
      149.   Left vs Right 20:47  |  Lior 07/03/09
      150.   Peace now 21:42  |  Helal 09/03/09
     Haaretz Hot Topics
    Israel 2009 election results: Voter breakdown
    Israel goes to the polls
    Conflict in Gaza
    Israel vs. Hamas
    Iran: Nuclear and regional ambitions
    More Headlines
    20:47 Hezbollah: War with Israel unlikely in near future
    22:17 Barak, Ron Arad's relatives join Shalits in protest tent
    21:07 Police foil stabbing attack in Jerusalem
    19:23 Poll: Hamas more popular after Gaza offensive
    20:14 Assad: Alleged nuclear site hit by IAF has been built over
    22:10 Hamas official hails British MP George Galloway as 'hero' in Gaza
    21:14 Back in fashion: New Knesset speaker to lift jeans ban
    10:48 WATCH: Daily news round-up from Israel
    20:44 Justice Ministry: Criticism of Katsav indictment is groundless
    19:10 Slaughterhouse workers attack boss to protest layoffs
    17:13 Netanyahu looks to rally Likud MKs frustrated over portfolios
    14:44 French filmmaker slammed for likening illegals to WWII Jews
    18:25 Tel Aviv police hunt head of women trafficking ring
    Previous Editions
    Special Offers
    Advertisement
    Spring Specials-Dan Hotels
    Jerusalem from 179$. Tel-Aviv from 223$. Herzliya from 336$
    Dead Sea Skin Care
    Quality cosmetics from the Dead Sea. Coupon code HAARETZ for 12% off!
    Summer in Israel
    Israeli style - Tzofim Chetz V'Keshet 2009
    Passover Vacations
    The BEST Passover Vacations around ? Mexico, Arizona and Florida
    Camp Kimama Israel 2009
    The best place for your children this summer
    Eldan Rent a Car
    Israel's leading car rental company offers you a 20% discount on online reservations
    Jewish Singles Personal Ads
    Find the love of your life on JDate.com
    Junkyard
    Junk a car - get free towing nationwide and a tax-deductible receipt
    Home | TV | Print Edition | Diplomacy | Opinion | Arts & Leisure | Sports | Jewish World | | Israel 2009 election results
    Site rules | Makom: Engaging on Israel | Search engine marketing
    Haaretz.com, the online edition of Haaretz Newspaper in Israel, offers real-time breaking news, opinions and analysis from Israel and the Middle East. Haaretz.com provides extensive and in-depth coverage of Israel, the Jewish World and the Middle East, including defense, diplomacy, the Arab-Israeli conflict, the peace process, Israeli politics, Jerusalem affairs, international relations, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, the Palestinian Authority, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, the Israeli business world and Jewish life in Israel and the Diaspora.
    © Copyright  Haaretz. All rights reserved