Israel to build thousands of new housing units in East Jerusalem
Interior minister gives final authorization to build 1,600 new apartments in Ramat Shlomo neighborhood, due to approve 2,700 more apartments in coming days.
By The Associated Press Tags: East Jerusalem Israel settlementsInterior Minister Eli Yishai has given final authorization to build 1,600 apartments in East Jerusalem, and will approve 2,700 more in the next few days.
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Jerusalem's Har Homa neighborhood in 2008. |
| Photo by: Emil Salman |
Ministry spokesman Roi Lachmanovich said Thursday that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office knew the construction plans in the Ramat Shlomo neighborhood in East Jerusalem were moving ahead.
Israeli construction in East Jerusalem will also likely hurt Washington's efforts to dissuade the Palestinians from seeking statehood at the United Nations next month.
The 1,600 apartments had caused a diplomatic rift between Israel and the U.S .last year when they won an earlier approval from the ministry during a visit to Israel by U.S. Vice President Joe Biden.
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Jerusalem must remain the united capital of Israel. Arabs and the world will get it soon or later.
For refusing to negotiate throughout 2011 and pushing with UN recognition. Now Israel is ignoring them. Tit for tat.
Blame the other party and never yourself. That's your favourite excuse. What was to be negociated in 2011 exactly Avi ? please tell us. Jerusalem, no, Jourdain Valley, no, refugees, no, settlements, no........please enlighten us with your lies and propaganda. In the meantime Israel continues to build and expand, to emprison and kill. Tit for tat did you say ? arrogance will lead you nowhere. The only way for the palestinians to get their State on their land is through the UN and definatly not through illusionary negociations with Israel and the US. Israel forced the palestinians to accept a State in 48, it will be the same in 2011. And what is Israel going to do about it ? kill all palestinians ? victimize ? facts speak for themselves Avi. Israel is responsible and owes the palestinians. Bear that in mind. If you're not happy about it. You can go ! the US will surely welcome you.
Who is fooling who here ? This is a religious neighborhood and this additional building will only oil the wheels of the religious community in Jerusalem. This is a slap in the face to those who have been demonstrating for housing.You can fool some of the people some of the time, but not all the people all the time !!!!
... and they have only themselves to blame. Two states was a solution that was presented to them more than once and as many as the numbers of times that was rejected by them ! Abbas was seeing the writing on the wall and the opportunity to have a palestinian state but it was not in his power to say 'Yes'. History will remember Abbas telling the truth when he said "Hamas destroyed the palestinians aspirations". Nothing stop from going forward in history. And that is were the problem now ! More than 500.000 Israeli on the land that the Palestinians can't have !
There are too many people who don't know what it means to live in peace. There are too many people who think because they have the military superiority that they can do whatever they want.
Akram--Israel never intended to make peace with the Palestinians---they still do not---reda then Likud Charter and then read below what three of Israel,s leader have had to say on the matter. """""""In 1938, Ben-Gurion made it clear of his support for the "Jewish state" on part of Palestine was only as a stepping ground for a complete conquest. He wrote: "[I am] satisfied with part of the country, but on the basis of the assumption that after we build up a strong force following the establishment of the state--we will abolish the partition of the country and we will expand to the whole Land of Israel." (Expulsion Of The Palestinians, p. 107 & One Palestine Complete, p. 403) * One day after the UN vote to partition Palestine, Menachem Begin, the commander of the Irgun gang and Israel's future Prime Minister between 1977-1983, proclaimed: "The Partition of Palestine is illegal. It will never be recognized .... Jerusalem was and will for ever be our capital. Eretz Israel will be restored to the people of Israel. All of it. And for Ever." (Iron Wall p. 25) * ""Shamir has said Israel must keep the territories in order to accommodate the immigrants. "A great aliyah [immigration]," he said, "requires a Greater Israel."(5) He has insisted that, although Soviet Jews are not being directed to the territories, any Jew has the right to live anywhere in the land of Israel, which for most Israelis includes the territories. """
In 1938, Ben-Gurion made it clear of his support for the "Jewish state" on part of Palestine was only as a stepping ground for a complete conquest. He wrote: "[I am] satisfied with part of the country, but on the basis of the assumption that after we build up a strong force following the establishment of the state--we will abolish the partition of the country and we will expand to the whole Land of Israel." (Expulsion Of The Palestinians, p. 107 & One Palestine Complete, p. 403) * One day after the UN vote to partition Palestine, Menachem Begin, the commander of the Irgun gang and Israel's future Prime Minister between 1977-1983, proclaimed: "The Partition of Palestine is illegal. It will never be recognized .... Jerusalem was and will for ever be our capital. Eretz Israel will be restored to the people of Israel. All of it. And for Ever." (Iron Wall p. 25) * ""Shamir has said Israel must keep the territories in order to accommodate the immigrants. "A great aliyah [immigration]," he said, "requires a Greater Israel."(5) He has insisted that, although Soviet Jews are not being directed to the territories, any Jew has the right to live anywhere in the land of Israel, which for most Israelis includes the territories.
...the Palestinians have taken NOTHING of Israel's. NOTHING. NADA. ZIP. Israel has illegally acquired 50% or more of what remained of Palestine after Israel was already given half of Palestine.
Why dont you qutoe some of the Muslim clerics regarding Jews and destruction of Israel. Better yet, quote that maniac incharge of Iran.
Didn't know Ahmadinejad was palestinian !!
:) we need moore houses and Jerusalem is the place. i live in sweden but iwish i culd live in JERUSALEM///ISRAEL
This is approval for private construction. Government does not spend any money on it.
they have ALL the support they need from the IDIOTS in Washington, both financial and political. Just calling it the way I see it Haaretz.
--- Unfortunately, without the economics of the 'Holy Sites' this land would have been a third world country. Israel gets Jerusalem West. Palestine gets Al Quds .
Jews are entitled to the same human and civil rights as all others, one would think. And, one would think people calling themselves "progressive" and advocates of "human rights" would also stand for the right of Jews to live anywhere they wish, unless such people of course are not as progressive and don't care about human rights for all the humans on this good earth.
calling themselves progressive people. Nothing has changed in the world for centuries, including the attitude of people of all ideological colors and shades to the singed out people, the Jewish people.
Under the 4th GC art 49--it is forbidden for the occupier in this case Israel to transfer it,s citizens--in thia case Israelis---Jew or Arab or Christian to the territory it occupied--in case East Jerusalem/West Bank. Perhaps you might care to expalin why only Jewish Israelis are being transferred to Jews only illegal settlements---must be Israel,s idea of respecting human rights ---eh JBI.
They do not come as civilian soldiers to increase the Borders of Israel to Stamford hill, holders green and tottenham. How can you not see the difference?
Yes!
Israeli politics in the Palestinian territories will at some point start a war
Just to clarify - I am not trying blame someone for the failing peace process, I am just saying - beyond who is right and who is wrong - it will start a war at one point or another
We need Urgent A new PM -BIBI Under siege become blind and deaf as long he is sailing with the Extremist -in order to Keep his Tittle only --thy dont hear the out cry of our people across Israel --one way street to build in east Jerusalem 1.600 +++ anther 2,700 subsidizing houses to Invest in the Settlement -only after all the uprising crying for social Justice --this is a black mailing our PM the puppet in there hands --i hope we keep on protesting -until this bull shit of the Extremist in our Government --will collapse= SOS we are drifting with this with this love boat --we are heading to no where --only to a disaster -Internal -External -threat to our security -burden on our social economic situation ---I wonder where are our supreme court -where is our President MR PERES --the house is burning and the clock is clicking -Click -click
Why do you feel the need to lie? Are you afraid you message carries no value otherwise? This is approval for private construction, not government construction and certainly not subsidized government construction.
Israeli ministers are doing everthing they can to provoke enough of Palestineans to fight for their properties and land so Israel can claim that they are the victims. This is sicken me. Israel does not want peace. It shows it again, again and again over and over agin.
So in their twisted view they are again victims forced to steal..
An important statistical fact is that the jewish birthrate in Yerushalyim is now equal to the Arab birthrate in the city and will probably start to EXCEED it next year. So Yerusahlyim will remain the capital of Israel - all of it and for always.
I'm sorry if I ever stepped on your toes Netanyahu, I promise I'll never do it again. I will lie and pretend I support Israeli unilateralism in building illegal settlements in Occupied Palestinian Territory. I will also bully the weak defenseless Palestinians and veto their right to self-determination and declare their move unilateral. Please forgive me Netanyahu I didn't mean to disrespect my master.
1. Israel is a very young nation. Just 63 years old, not 3000 years. You can't say that about any of the other countries you're comapring to. Old Israel belonged to the Israelites and new Israel belongs to the Israelis which contain Jews, Christians, Muslims, Atheists and so on. Two different nations basicly. 2. When France, UK, Canada etc. is expanding they are doing it INSIDE their land. They do NOT expand by stealing land from their neighbours. When Israel expand they are doing it in Palestine, not inside of Israel. Your comparison is full of flaws
Make aliyah Jehudah---you are out of place and out of line.
the land theft just proves they will grab all land just lik ben gurion, begin etc dreamt about. this must stop!
As we say in the Bronx, NYC; Julia you are a putz. How can you make peace with an enemy does not recognize your right to exist as a Jewish state, that has vowed your destruction, wants all of your territory for itself, and continues to fire rockets into Israel? Moreover, has ducked whenever there was an opportunity to seriiously discuss peace or turned down decent offers for peace as agreed to by Israel and tendered by a US president serving as mediator.
UN vote is the only way and the sanctions against this regime.
UN vote is the only way and the sanctions against this regime.
Oh well---the one state solution was always the best one.
Israel further in world opinion, that even it's long staunchest allie, Amreica, is repelled. Stop the building now or pay a horrific price in diplomatic terms, boycotts, and future wars.
Walt D can go live in Walt Disney World.
The construction in Arab held lands will make any peace impossible, and provide the Arab extremists with more fuel for their extremism. Bibi undoubtedly knows about all this and apporves, and is thus putting Israel's future in perpetual jeoprodrody. Instead of seeking negotations, he is making decisions that will cost the lives of our soldiers in a futile vision that is corrupt and hurts Israel.
and the international community should reward his arrogance by voting for Palestinian statehood and membership in the UN this September. If the US vetoes it, the Arab and Muslim world should work for the boycott of US and Israeli products and rally for the recall of their diplomats from such countries. Expect worldwide protests that will endanger US puppets in the Muslim world.
Har Homa... south Jerusalem Ramat Shlomo...North Jerusalem world hates Israel so much they completely rewrite the laws of geography
the green line was not invented yesterday. Whether you agree with it or not, it is there and is recognized by the world as the borders of occupied palestinian territories. If Israel wishes to occupy and settle the west bank as it pleases, it must conisder annexing all palestinian territories and creating a bi-national state
Even Jacksonville, Florida has city limits. How many times has Israel unilaterally expanded the city limits to include more "disputed" land? Is Ramallah inside today's city limits? Or is that next week's announcement?
Suure !! Israel wants it all right ? no humanity, no sense of history. This is all just bargaining with arabs in a souk ! in the meantime there are millions of palestinians, in refugee camps and in the diaspora, who are waiting for a state to be built and people like you have no scrupules. Shall i remind you and all other ignorant deniers that hundreds of thousands of palestinians used to live on that land, in Haifa, Jerusalem, Yaffa and all the region. They belong to that land. But you just don't care do you ? You're just too sick.
He used the word disputed between upper commas, DAN. Go back to school so U can learn what's the real meaning. Then U'll be qualified to debate on serious matters.
Who wants to live there? Not those in the tents and who are protesting for a better standard of living. It is for the Harediim as usual.
Who wants to live there? Not those in the tents and who are protesting for a better standard of living. It is for the Harediim as usual.
It's destroying its international image and integrity for reasons that are completely unworthy...while this Israeli government is laughing in its face!
It's destroying its international image and integrity for reasons that are completely unworthy...while this Israeli government is laughing in its face!
This is not a European Discrimination but A historical reality that was recently confirmed In I948. It is also not a Netanyahu political Survival issue or a Palestinian heritage when The territory was controlled by the Jordanians With mixed commitment.If Israel is recognized For what it has always been as a Jewish any Body can live there with their own identity Papers(as in other countries) by choice with Citizenship having it's own requirements. Palestine is regional designation with or without Jordanian affiliation as before as it's existence Is not a separate historical entity, but as is a Scattered residential municipal territory (as Quebec) Which can claim it's own designation within The framework of Israel(like the Bedouins) as security concerns will find Israel always In control with with neighbors and Gazans Committed to destroying it.Talks can then Only focus on co-existence recognized by The International community (not pretense of Statehood) which is realistically inevitable.
Eli Yishai, Most "Israelis" don't prefer to live in Jerusalem but in Tel Viv , unless your goal is to turn Jerusalem into a place of Jewish extremists and this may exacerbate the conflict risk.
Starting to wonder if Netanyahu genuinely wants to stop the PA from going to the UN. This doesn't help. In fact, it probably eggs the PA on. Pathetic.
blame noone else
It is US tax payers that allows this tragedy
The US will soon be mired in chaos , poverty and misery on an unprecedented scale.
Build homes for Jews and Arabs. Well done Esther, while the rest of us were stuck in the box of seperation you thought clearly
One of the stupidist and cruelest ideas ever is the idea of dividing Jerusalem. Go research what it was like pre-1967, concrete fences, barb wire, sniper fire, grenades, and some of you want to return Jerusalem to that? In pre 1967 Jerusalem Arabs and Palestinians took pleasure in banning Jews frm their holiest site, the Wailing Wall. Not only that they burned down over 60 synagogues. Name one mosque that the Jews have burned down and the Jews have placed the Golden Dome in the control of the Palestinians with free access. The world needs to stop trying to divide Jerusalem and leave it in the hands of Israel as their capitol. Asking the Jews to give up Jerusalem is like asking the Islamist to give up Mecca to the Jews. The only real reason the Palestinians ask for Jerusalem is that they know that if they can force the Jews to give it up that the very act would demoralize them and take the fight out of them and then they could destroy Israel completely. Therefore the act of asking for Jerusalem is ugly and born of evil intent.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Divided_cities (some are just historically divided but there are enough modern examples that work)
you can find in internet if you are really interested in
Given that the peace process is working so well for them, perhaps they should let another 20 years go by in very fruitful political dialogue with Israel? I dont see why not!
Your experienced dialogue in negotiating the stolen lands you live on with the poor Aborigines is certainly a shining light for all land disputes to be negotiated. Thanks for your productive input, Rob.
I am familiar with the site -- it is undeveloped land where noone currently lives.
No one made an argument -- he was just sharing information. You jumped all over him for no reason with your inappropriate comparison.
The Zionists have been getting away with this since 1947 - and there are no signs it will change. The 29 standing ovations the US Congress gave Bibi last May say it all.
Unfortunately you are right -.-
And the Palestinians should not unilaterally seek UN recognition? This housing move is for Palestinians, too? How many Arabic language public schools does this include? Does "Jerusalem" have a city limit? Maybe somewhere in Jordan? I see no evidence that the Israeli government is interested in resolving the conflict peacefully. None whatsoever. Actions speak louder than words.
Israel warned that should Palestinians fail to resume talks and continue to seek UN recognition, it would build more housing units in settlements and East Jerusalem.
Repeating US Israeli reteric
Zionism means building on palestinian land. Zionism means profit at the expense of human rights.
What on earth are you talking about ? you know, i know and the world knows building settlements is illegal and will increase tensions between israelis and the palestinians. Israel knows perfectly well this will bring more frustration and violence. What exactly is Israel trying to do ? create another conflict, kill more palestinians, strengthen extremism on both sides and again claim Israel is the victim ? Israel is responsible for its own unsecurity. Building settlements is an act of war and Israel knows it very well. Don't blame the palestinians. Israel is killing peace everyday. You want to commit suicide ? don't do it on the palestinians backs.