Israel planning 50,000 housing units in East Jerusalem

This is all about us giving Isreal the green light to attack Iran. If we had public support we would have invaded them ourselves, but since we dont both Isreal, and the U.S. came up with an idea to stage a rift in their relationship. This way Isreal can bomb Iran and we can act like we had nothing to do with it.

yes sure and right it is.who's coutry is it? The US's 51st state,or a soverign country called Israel? Israel will build as much as it needs. The Arabs fair well living in Israel in freedom plus all the benefits same as their Jewish counterparts.That they wouldn't be able were they to live in any of their brethren's countries(if they would be allowed)which seems are NOT WELL COME ANYWAY.

You must realize that US congressional resolutions are totally irrelevant to the issue of the legality of the Israeli annexation of Jerusalem, and have no bearing on US gov't. policy. The proof of that lies in the fact that the US embassy is in Tel Aviv, not Jerusalem. You should know that Israel is lacking any legal basis for sovereignty in Jerusalem. UN resolution 181, under which Israel declared statehood, declared Jerusalem to be an international city, "corpus separatum," managed by the UN. In 1980 the Knesset passed the Basic Law which declared Jerusalem, complete and unified, the capital of Israel. The Basic Law is a violation of UNSC resolutions 476 & 478, and thus a violation of Article 49 of the 4th Geneva Convention: a war crime. UNSC 478 declared the Knesset Basic Law "null and void," and 476 declared any demographic changes in Jerusalem a violation of the Geneva Convention. Breaches of articles of the 4th Convention are considered war crimes.

What unbelievable audacity. You call Abdalla a liar when you don't know what you are talking about. Does it ever occur to you to go to some information source, such as the internet, to learn about the subject about which you are about to call someone a liar: or is it that just because you are a Jew you are conditioned to call anyone who makes a statement about Israel that you don't like either an anti-semite or a liar. You owe Abdulla an apology. Look up the word in a dictionary, you probably dont know what it means. "In 2009, the US House of Representatives appropriated $2.04 billion in military aid to Israel for next year (up from $1.98 billion this year) in addition to $840 million in economic support funds."

I am amazed the Vice President Biden was angered by the Zionist anouncing the new housing units in East Jerusalem. On April 15, 2002 The Zionist held a "Support Israel" Rally in Washington where every congressional leader in both House, Vice President Cheny, Members of the Bush Administration, even the Supreme Court Broke session to attend the rally. It showed the Zionist Control, Support, and Domination in Washington. At the end of the day, a Zionist King Kong was standing in the middle of Washington showing his muscles. That Zionist King Kong (AIPAC, JINSA, CSA) is looking at Obama wondering what to do with him. I believe that King Kong does not take Obama seriously, or else Obama would have been in "hot water" by now. Israel will do what it wants to, know matter what anyone says. I thing Obama knows the score. He can argue with Israel, but to take any kind of action would mean the wrath of the Zionist coming down on his head. Colin Powell can assure him...it is not fun.

capital since 1950. In 1995, the 104th Congress passed the Jerusalem Embassy Act of 1995 [5], in which the legislators stated that "(1) Each sovereign nation, under international law and custom, may designate its own capital. (2) Since 1950, the city of Jerusalem has been the capital of the State of Israel?. (9) In 1990, the Congress unanimously adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 106, which declares that the Congress `strongly believes that Jerusalem must remain an undivided city in which the rights of every ethnic and religious group are protected.` (10) In 1992, the United States Senate and House of Representatives unanimously adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 113 of the One Hundred Second Congress to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the reunification of Jerusalem, and reaffirming Congressional sentiment that Jerusalem must remain an undivided city."

Apparently not.... You CERTAINLY didn't read to the end of Article 49, because the last sentence says: Art 49: "The Occupying Power shall not deport or transfer parts of its own civilian population into the territory it occupies. " a: "For, under Article 2, the Convention applies 'to cases of' occupation of the territory of a High Contracting Party, by another such Party" Go and read Article 2 for yourself and you'll see that your quote is preceded by the magic words *shall* *also* Which means that there was something **BEFORE** your quote that can render your argument invalid. Perhaps you would be wise to read up on what that is....

The Arab-Jewish conflict is an hopeless one. The U.S. should stop sending aid to Israel($ 3 billion) and Egypt($2 billion) and instead, spend the money here to help the truly homeless and unemployed Americans.

Let me see if I have this straight. They publicly announced 1600 new houses the day Biden got here, a big insult to him. Then they apologised and said they didn't mean it, that they didn't know, and promised to keep it from happening again. Then the next day they publicly announced 50,000 new houses. There's got to be some sort of lesson in that somewhere.

Expansion is okay. A ghetto of your choice is okay. This is not the Warsaw ghetto. Perhaps your choice of the word ghetto is wrong. Jewish people living together as a family and a nation is not a ghetto. However, Jerusalem is not a ghetto.

Amongst psychologists and philosophers and people like that a well known phenomenom is that children have a phase in which they are convinced the world does not exist and everything is fruit of their conscience and imagination and will disappear if they die. My father used to say when I had a big mouth to him and said back "you don't exist": "Ah, the sophoclist-phase coming up again". You are the first one as far as I know to put this phenomenom into practice into the world of nations and peoples. Congrats.

This mafia known as the PA allows this status quo. The PA should simply dissolve as a governmental entity. All Palestinians should initiate peaceful protests everywhere, Gaza, West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Israel proper. I've said it for the past 2 years. Israel's greed is going to bring about 2 things. A 1 state solution, or a Holocaust against ALL NON JEWS in this land.

Seems to me that Israel is creating of it's own accord a great Jewish ghetto.

ALL of Jerusalem belongs to the Jews. Even more of Israel belongs to the Jewish people than they now inhabit. Giving up Gaza was a mistake. The prophet Daniel wrote of the "ABOMINATION THAT CAUSES DESOLATION" being set up on the TEMPLE MOUNT! Ask yourself--"what was he referring to?"

There will be just Israeli neighborhoods when the Palestinians stop claiming everything for their Arab state.

See, that's the problem. When will there just be "Israeli neighborhoods?"

The amount that we have to give up in the defense trade so that we don't compete with the US far outweighs that aid.

I actually believe Minister Yishai that he personally was not aware of the coming construction decision on the 1600 Apartment. But somebody on the approval committee did know and did try to make a point to the US. such timing is not likely to be random. And the present news from Ir Amim reinforces this. The reason the Palestinians refused to engage in DIRECT talks with Israel was exactly Jewish construction in (legally occupied) East Jerusalem. There is now a short period of time when Israel is to agree to freezing construction there (as required by the Roadmap), or the US will publicly blame it for this and impose some "punishment". Count now on Biden to insist on a high cost as "punishment'. Netanyahu will be put between the rock of Biden and the hard place of right wing ideologues of Likud. Hopefully, Netanyahu will fall.

Talking about the occupied territories you claim: "However, in the absence of negotiations, the "status quo" prevail (sic - ba). Israel will keep settling and no sanctions of the SC will be issued against israel." By continuing the colonisation process, which is in violation of the Geneva Conventions, Israel is actually CHANGING the status quo all the time. It has been Israel's policy all along: while continuing with empty rhetoric about the "peace process" or pointing an accusing finger at the Palestinians for refusing to "negotiate" it is changing the FACTS ON THE GROUND. It has done this since the first Zionist colonists set foot ashore in Palestine and since Jabotinsky came up with his Iron Wall doctrine. which stated that the only way to proceed with colonization was "under protection of a force that is not dependent on the local population, behind an iron wall they will be powerless to break down." The PA should dissolve itself and fight for equal rights in one state.

Building israeli housing units in East Jerusalem will provoke a 3rd intifada. The situation is very sad,

This Zionist is getting tired of Israels political right wing. It is disgusting what Bibi is doing to mess up any potential for peace. Sen Bibi and the Haredi packing to Uganda! The US should cut all funding of Israel until it stops the building the East Jerusalem and the West Bank.

**This is like showing a big finger to Joe Biden and Uncle Sam. Good job Israel! by doing these things, you are getting more and more isolated.** --- Before *b*ijan, Joe Biden and the big finger, there was ISrael. During bijan, Joe Biden and the big finger, there iss ISrael. After bijan, Joe Biden and the big finger, there will be ISrael. Israel IS REAL. bijan, Joe Biden and the big finger are fictions!

The United Nation hundreds of resulotions against Israel, never had a chance of not passing. The judge and jury are all part of the non-alligned countries or the group of 77 out of 192 that vote as one block. Add to that the resources and money of Arab states and bingo, Israel becomes a gold fish in a pool full of sharks. How do you think Bashir of Sudan who killed a million people is still in power? Save the UN balony for the ignorant, Jews have learned after 1939 that we can trust only one entity and it doesn't reside in the UN. The Arab must learn that propaganda and $2.50 will get them on the subway. Bibi has the equation: Recognize Israel as a Jewish state, you know they will never do it.

Have you studied law, or do you just lecture on it? The legitimacy of modern law, national and international, rests on the principle of objectivity, a chief element of which is that legal rules are applicable to all those who are similarly situated (Eisenberg, 1988, p. 9). Failure even to approach this requirement in international human rights law is a scandal that is almost universally recognized by legal scholars (Robertson, 2006, p. 41). You get back to me with your evidence that the UN has not violated the principle of objectivity with regard to Israel, and I'll provide my counter-evidence, which includes repeated UN COMPLICITY in recent genocides (LeBor, Complicity with Evil, Yale, 2006).

For the quote, it makes Israel's illigal action clearer to all.

Are you proposing Jews only in Israel? Back to the 1948 declared borders then.

don't forget that.

It was a part of the non-state entity of Palestine. What is that? They have rejected partition. No normal person in world politics, not even the PA demand from Israel to go back to partition. Sorry one single peson does it. CJ. But...who cares about what CJ wants ? Only by LEGAL annaexation from the non-state entity of Palestine. Indeed. Israel will demand annexation, and palestinians will demand whatever they will demand. Both will demand So????? Jerusalem... Wasn`t Sovereign Israeli territory. So what? It was acquired in a defensive war. Only stupids wait until they are invaded in order to react. Israel has the right to demand formal annexation. Palestinians can make demands as well . In the meantime Israel can and will colonize. Several examples similar to this in world politics and still there are worst things than that. Security Council is against Israel interpretation???? Seriously? Please be my guest and issue sanctions.

If it is a part of Israel then Jews have a right to build and live anywhere in Jerusalem . If it is not a part of Israel , which few Israelis will agree to , then divide that city . If it is divided who will own the Holy places ? Almost unsolvable questions , peacefully speaking , when dealing with Arab intransigence .

and study Internation Law, its fascinating and would serve the clueless well. Here, let me help you get started:UNSC Resolution 465 5. "Determines that all measures taken by Israel to change the physical character, demographic composition, institutional structure or status of the Palestinian and other Arab territories occupied since 1967, including Jerusalem, or any part thereof, have no legal validity and that Israel's policy and practices of settling parts of its population and new immigrants in those territories constitute a flagrant violation of the Fourth Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War and also constitute a serious obstruction to achieving a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East.

IF the US hadn't protected Israel against sanctions in the UN it would not exist as it does now. Instead it would be a poor land with no one to trade with because of sanctions. Those who moved there for the subsidised housing and welfare handouts would have long since moved out. Israel does nothing that won't benefit itself. It has no loyalty to it's allies instead spying on them and selling the intelligence to the highest bidder. I am not American so I don't "benefit" from anything. I was however, a supporter of Israel, until greed and immorality became the norm in that country.Not anymore

UNSC Res 1860 Recalling all of its relevant resolutions, including resolutions 242 (1967), 338 (1973), 1397 (2002), 1515 (2003) and 1850 (2008), Stressing that the Gaza Strip constitutes an integral part of the territory occupied in 1967 and will be a part of the Palestinian state,

We all feel that Biden should follow the wise adage, "Yankee Go Home." His visit will result in nothing but more failure for his boss.

Russia, China, The UA, France, The UK. "with one exception, Cuba, the rest are Muslims" Twaddle. You're talking about the UNHRC which has a rotating membership. EVERY UN Member state can get a turn sitting on it.

So do the palestinians. the dispute will be decided in negotations. The fate of Israel settlers will be decided in those negotiations as well. Most of them will have to abandon their homes. Some of them will remain as palestinian citizens. However,in the absence of negotiations, the "status quo" prevail. Israel will keep settling and no sanctions of the S.C. will be issued against israel. Violation of international law? Not quite sure. In any case there are worst things in world politics as it is widely known.

"Jerusalem legal status is at its best that of "res nullius modo juridico"" It was a part of the non-state entity of Palestine. "..no other state than Israel could have sovereign title." Only by LEGAL annaexation from the non-state entity of Palestine. "The sovereignty vacuum, affords a common legal frame for the legal positions of both West and East Jerusalem after 1948 and 1967 war" '48 http://wp.me/pDB7k-ki#defacto-dejure //His Majesty?s Government are unable to recognise the sovereignty of Israel over that part of Jerusalem which she occupies, // '67 http://wp.me/PDB7k-Y#annexation "territories occupied" and not withdrawn from are occupied. "Israel`s entry into Jerusalem was lawful self-defence." Wasn't Sovereign Israeli territory. "This is confirmed in the SC by the defeat of Soviet and Arab-sponsored resolutions demanding her withdrawal." No it isn't. UNSC Res 1860 "Israel shows good will to give palestinians a piece of Jerusalem" LOL It ISN'T Israel's.

with one exception, Cuba, the rest are Muslims, so what can one expect? Objectivity? Impariality? Fairness?

After the storm ...The most important thing is for these talks to go forward and go forward promptly and go forward in good faith. Biden said Palestinians had misunderstood Israel's announcement of the settlement plan, thinking that building would begin immediately. With no construction scheduled for now, he said, negotiators would have time to "resolve this and other outstanding issues."... Realistically speaking, I doubt 2 years would be enough to complete 50,000 units. At this point it is the symbolic hummering of `No to division of J`. Do I also hear a message to Pal leadership not to hide behind it? EU, UN will make efforts to continue and stir the storm for you, Mr. Abbas. But you cant hide forever and give Israel the aces back.

What is the American position vis-a-vis international law?

Article 49, of the Fourth Geneva Convention deal with deportation or transfer of a population out of the occupied territory. The occupying Power shall not deport or transfer parts of its own civilian population into territory it occupiess. The article was directed against Nazis practices in World War II, of forcibly transporting populations of which it wished to rid itself. Also For, under Article 2, the Convention applies ?to cases of ? occupation of the territory of a High Contracting Party, by another such Party?. So far the West Bank at present held by Israel does not belong to any other State, the Convention would not seem to apply to it at all. This might be a technical point but a compelling one.

"No jewish housing in East Jerusalem " East Jerusalem was illegally annexed. Condemned by the UNSC. It AIN'T Israeli. "..no Arab houses in Israel!" Arab ISRAELI citizens IN Israel, have a right to housing IN Israel. They do not have a right to housing OUTSIDE of Israel in ILLEGALLY annexed non - Israeli territories, nor do Israeli Jews.

The Israel Arabs, like other her CITIZENS, may freely live where-ever they please inside the state of Israel! Please do not mix Pal-Arabs and Israel-Arabs together.

Jerusalem legal status is at its best that of "res nullius modo juridico" or one that because of 'lacunaes' of international instruments, no other state than Israel could have sovereign title. The sovereignty vacuum, affords a common legal frame for the legal positions of both West and East Jerusalem after 1948 and 1967 war. Israel's entry into Jerusalem was lawful self-defence. This is confirmed in the SC by the defeat of Soviet and Arab-sponsored resolutions demanding her withdrawal. Settling in Jerusalem at its worst implies Israel right to use that legal vacuum. However, Israel shows good will to give palestinians a piece of Jerusalem where their capital will be.

The PLO will soon announce it will refuse to talk until 2093.

Israel SAVES money by getting US military aid.

http://wp.me/PDB7k-Y#annexation

Why people don't see it? Israel is making a point at a high cost of course, but its the axis on which the Muslim-Judeo-Christian is rotating. Ishai is saying that Jews can and must be able to live in their ethernal capital, while the Palestinians are saying sottovoce that this is a Muslim domain and we will never accept Jews living among us. If you have doubt just look at all Muslim countries, Saudia,Iraq, Syria, Libya, Egypt etc , they all got red of the NON-MUSLIM, and they are now ethnicaly cleansed. Israel is making that exact point that Muslims will never have any tollerance for others, Ishai established a fact, that non Muslims are persona non grata even in the homeland of Kind David and Jesus, they want the Qura'an to prevail.We all know that this a conflict of religions and not politics, ask the one million Jews expelled from Arab land.

K: "And so who is sovereign Johnboy?" The People Of Palestine Are The Sovereigns. They were granted that right in 1947 in all of the territory that was allocated to the "Arab state", just as everyone who was inside the territory allocated to the "Jewish state" were granted their right to sovereingty over that territory. Look, Ki'emli, this is pretty simple. when an existing sovereignty ends (empires break up, countries splinter, federations sunder, whatever) then one of two things can happen: 1) The people who live on that territory GET TO DECIDE WHAT HAPPENS NEXT, or 2) A neighbouring country cries "Yippeeeee!" and attempts to grab that territory for itself. Option (1) is legal. Option (2) is not. The Pals are attempting Option (1). Israel has been attempting Option (2). Got that?

When the bombs start dropping these houses will be deserted by the foreign Jews and the Palestinians will defend their land with their lives like they have done for centuries.

What Israel is attempting to do is to make it be known right off the bat she will absolutely not engage in any political tussling on something so important she absolutely means to see not implemented. Israel new what the reaction will be when it blatantly threw out such bait at such moguls. I am sure Israel knows what kind of wrath gamble she takes, especially with so many Israeli `good wishers` and left / liberal `right lovers` immediately going abusive, insulting rout. But Israel can not afford not to throw it either. It will please the world but will be interpreted & noted that Israel can be `persuaded` to divide J. There is the cemented stalemate on this issue and if ever broken the arms have to be seriously twisted. What should actually be insulting to Israel her arm alone is attempted to be gingerly (so far) twisted. And not only by her ill wishers but her friends. As is, Israel as always facing preconceived notion that her arm is the easier of the two to twist.

On the other hand, the division of J will spell disaster for Israel on all fronts, including aforementioned major settlement blocks that will make them practically obsolete. Most importantly, it will drastically & completely affect the lives of hundreds of thousands of Jews living not only in EJ but in those settlement blocks around J that Israel is fighting for so hard to retain, all for what will turn out for nod. They will be forced to leave their homes if they do not want to be governed by the Pal government. Had the talks started, gone down to the issue of borders & the Pals immediately insisted on the boarder effectively dividing J. After unsuccessful attempts to persuade the West to influence the Pal hard stance & who would not hear any of it, Israel would have pulled out & wound up in the same boat, angrily accused of peace derailment.

But when the construction freeze issue came to J, it was immediately and strongly shut down by Israel. In mind is the division of J, & Israel does not want to set any precedence what so ever or a hint she can blink on this issue. At stake is the division of J vs. shared governance of E.J. with both Jewish & Arab offices and government officials from both sides (we assume the final peace agreement eliminates all incitement & hatred on both sides). The status of J negotiations set for later should be attributed directly to its sharing arrangements. The what was supposed to be the upcoming indirect talks assumed the encompassing of the boarders issue. Where the boarder will go will dictate if J be divided or not. If J is not divided, yes it will spell the major PR headache for the Arab world. Yet in J if the Israeli Arab chooses to be represented by the Pal, not Israeli government, such representation can and will be available without him leaving his home.

...yet they complained when the Serbs wanted some of it. Wonder why?

What did Israel just do? Did it purposely set to embarrass US and derail peace process? Is the `crazy right` as many keep insisting really playing with fire and is trying to embarrass US, offend the EU and the rest of the world by negligently & so untimely rubbing the most powerful & friendly noses in the most inopportune time? It is, if one is itching to run away in that direction without any other thoughts. Go back a little, to the time the construction freeze demands had begun floating around. There was an issue of WB freeze, to which Israel had compromised without Pals even verbally compromising on anything, as a gesture to US. But not without first getting some positive feedback that the situation on the few major settlement blocks remaining with Israel. The views and the language in acceptance of such were clearly begun to be noticed, even from the notoriously critical of Israel in that regard high ranks.

It's as simple as that.

Must be like garlic was to Nosferatu Maybe that's why some of these folk don't see anything when they look in a mirror.

While the Israelis were correct in apologizing for the timing of the announcement, it was remiss in reiterating that the status of Jerusalem will never change and stressing their right to build in their own capital.

CJK: "No, Israel does not build in Palestine since there is no such state except in your own feverish mind." The Cook Islands is also a territory that is not a part of any state, so does that trick work there too? 1) Israel seizes the Cook Islands and starts to build on it. 2) I shout "Whaaaat? Israel is building on the Cook Islands!" 3) Cipora says "No, silly, it isn't" 4) I say "But I can see that Israel is building on the Cook Islands!" 5) Cipora says "No, silly, because the Cook Islands are not a state" In that hypothetical exchange Cipora's statement in (5) would be a non-sequitur. CJK: "No, Israel does not build in Palestine since there is no such state except in your own feverish mind." That's also a non-sequitur.

And that's all the proof and justification to which you are entitled.

it is not Israeli. Israel is a SOVEREIGN State with internationally acknowledged boundaries. http://wp.me/PDB7k-Y#the-big-lie Instead of spouting nonsense, learn. It will actually help if folk're aware of what is not true.

It can't be Jordan, because they ceded that land. There has never been a state called "Palestine." Maybe you just have trouble swallowing the bitter pill that Israel is the sovereign territory. Maybe we will one day settle our dispute. But that will be between us. There will not be a seat at the negotiating table for you nor for any other libero-fascist.

Protection in the UN? What a laugh! That didn't prevent the UNHRC for singling out Israel on anything. All the US does is water it down. Furthermore, because of the relationship with the US, Israel does not act on it's own interests, such as when the US pressured Israel not to update Chinese military drones, Venezuelan fighter jets, and to pull out of the fighter jet project with South Korea. Projects worth billions of dollars altogether. Or not developing our own fighter jets so that there's no competition for the F-16. You don't mind having that benefit do you? Hypocrite.

still occupied. Unless they are LEGALLY annexed. Simple. "israel is building in dispute territory" Illegal. The UNSC demands activities halt until the question of Palestine is resolved. The UNSC has been calling for this since 1951. UNSC Res 93 "Nations that violate international law are being sanctioned." Not those with veto protection, even though UNSC resolutions say they are in breach. "Despite that the 242 concerns states, it is still the biding resolution for the West Bank and Gaza." It doesn't mention them except "territories occupied". "territories occupied" not withdrawn from are still OCCUPIED. Res 242 does not call for negotiating boundaries. It calls SPECIFICALLY for the acknowledgment of recognizED boundaries and Sovereign integrity. The word 'negotiate' does not appear ANYWHERE in res 242. http://wp.me/PDB7k-6r "How much of it is a matter of debate" ..and PALESTINIAN generosity. Palestinian concessions. Israel is only the OCCUPIER of "territories occupied"

Jerusalem is the eternal capital of Israel, ALL of it!

Those who can work do. For the others another fate awaits.

Judge:US ,the first ,Israel the second on the terrorism list,but,now,Satan is the third.Satan:Why Sir? Judge: You evicted one and only one person from his place but those have been evicting thuosands of people from their homes.Satan: AH....OK I will consider the issue, but ,please to keep my right in defence I want to make an apeal.

The Palestinians will love the new digs once you are forced back to your own borders. This will not fly at all in the international scene.

a: "israel is building in dispute territory" And therefore......?? Come on arik, THINK: if this is "disputed territory" then you need to explain to me what is the source for Israels authority over this territory. There must be *some* legal source for that authority, arik, otherwise Israel is merely a feudal warlord lording it over its serfs. So where does that authority derive from? It can't be from Israeli sovereignty over this territory because ***you*** have just admitted that this is "disputed territory", not "sovereign territory". So where does that authority derive from? The IHCJ has put its finger on that source of authority: it is "belligerent occupation", and so the authority derives from "int'l humanitarian law". And, so sorry, int'l humanitarian law does **not** allow an occupier to colonize occupied territory, nor can it annex occupied territory.

People that protest construction of housing units AKA (apartments) in places like Ramat Shlomo, don't understand Jerusalem, even today there is tens of thousands if not more of Jews living in this areas, also Ramat Shlomo is only like 3 blocks from the main interchange coming from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem and is basically continuous construction from the rest of the Jewish neighborhoods. The bottom line is that there is no way Israel could give this areas to the Palestinians even if they wanted, there will be a civil war in Israel if they intended to do move/uproot 100's of thousands of mainly Orthodox Jews from their homes.

What wrong is there for a Nation to build homes for its citizens in the Capital? Who ever tolerated foreign interferences and opinions in the internal affairs of a Sovereign Nation? Pains to that soul...

too busy sitting by her comfy laptop morning night and noon typing out amens and insults and racist taunts to arabs to have time to make aliyah!

Made a ton of $$ in real estate before the market crashed and have superb investments enough so I ever have to work another day in my life. My grandchild has a paid 5 year paid college education coming, plus, the house, investments, the cars, the jewelry, gold, silver, etc. An you say the same? As for how long I shall live, I leave that to the G-d of Israel. He knows best and has blessed me beyond measure. You should convert and have half of my blessings, it's not too late. Think about it.

Are you aware Sir Rob that Israel has withdrew from territories conquered in the 67 war. All of Sinai was returned to Egypt and land has been returned to Jordan. Gaza has been given "free", "good will" to palestinians which transformed it into a Hamastan 'crap' to launch rockets against Israel. Israel has agreed to a palestinian state and is willing to return most of the West Bank. The question is ...what are you talking about ????? The "great debate" is about a few percents of the West Bank. This picture does not make of Israel precisely a land swallower...but in your antisemitic mind.

Just what it wants to see and what our mass media lets us see. For those willing to look a bit harder without the shades they will see a largely educated mass-not so in Saudi or Egypt. They will see a nation that is both capable and desiring to do more than simply rely on oil-not so Saudi, who simply wish to retain power and can not dare impose modernization on its people for fear that it will lose power. Iran backed into a corner is one thing, but that is not the only Iran. Just take off the shades a little.

Best way to assure that Israel will know peace.

"Israel builds in Palestine." No, Israel does not build in Palestine since there is no such state except in your own feverish mind.

Criminals are put in jail. Nations that violate international law are being sanctioned. Israel is not sanctioned and it is likely not to be sanctioned. The rest is nonesense. There are more urgent things that the legality of a couple of buildings being raised in disputed land. Do you want some examples or you can find for yourself? The conflict will be resolved "Based on legal precedents" Exactly. Despite that the 242 concerns states, it is still the biding resolution for the West Bank and Gaza. Since the Oslo agreements the 242 is the frame of law to which palestinians and Israelies are bound to. Israel indeed will withdraw from territories as it has done before. How much of it is a matter of debate. Bet you about that.

Good onya Aussie. You hit the nail on the head. Why shouldn't Israeli's be able to live there? Fair dinkum mate

just where is that "esentially modern outward looking persia?" the world sees a fanatic, totalitarean terror state.

"I read all of these complaints about Israel building homes in their OWN LAND." No you don't. You read anout Israel building on other folk's land. http://wp.me/PDB7k-Y#the-big-lie "Jordanians build in Jordan, Syrians build in Syria, Iranians build in Iran." Israel builds in Palestine. See the difference? "Time Israel ignored all of the anti semties and got on with it" It has been getting on with it for 62 years, wiping the Palestinians off the map. http://wp.me/PDB7k-Y#who-is-being-wiped-off-the-map Now, what is anti-semitic about wanting Israel to adhere to the law?

No more beating around the bush, lying and pretending, Israel is going to build thousands of illegal Jew-only homes on another people's territory, in defiance of international law, the UN, USA and EU. It's official: it's an apartheid rogue state, run by an extremist religious-nationalist majority, based on a belief in Jewish racial and cultural supremacy over the Arab. Fine, we've been here before, seventy one years ago, more recently in former Serbia and Sudan. The rest of the worlds knows what has to be done. It's past time to start doing it. Support Goldstone, issue warrants for the Dubai murder, end dual-nationality Israeli passports, international boycott of Israeli products, expel from UN, outlaw AIPAC, get a move on with the new European carriers... and take back the Palestinian mandate to the UN. You cannot deal with irrational extremists like the Israeli right, their word is not worth the paper it's written on and they are a threat to future peace in the region.

America should seriously examine its alliances. For example, an alliance with Iran would in many ways be far preferable to an alliance with the Saudis. An essentially modern outward looking Persia is a far better bet in the long run than a conservative backward looking Saudi state just waiting to be toppled by its Wahhabi hordes. Same goes for Egypt and Jordan. Jordan is destined to be ruled by Palestinians one day and Egypt relies on an autocratic regime which has far less potential for modernization than does Iran.

"Your yealling won`t help much." A) Emphasize is the word you're looking for. B) True. No amount of emphasis will help people who don't care about breaking the law. But then who cares about criminals? "The fate of the disputed territories will be defined in bilateral negotiations." Based on legal precedents. "In the meantime, the `status quo` prevails. Disagree with it?" Illegal status quo? Most certainly. "My advice to you is to try to advance sanctions through the Security Council." Better that Israel adhere to it's obligations as a UN Member state. "So far I see sanctions looming over the head of Teheran not over Israel. That means that Therean is seriously violating International law" No it means Israel is protected from action only, by the US veto. The law and Israel's breaches of it still stand.

I have noticed that you are so weak in Mathematics. Because for you, 99.09% + 0.01% makes 100 %. Hence my Conclusion is : if this is your capacity in simple mathematic addition, so is your logic in contrast, with regard to your comments. Bravo, You scored the remaining 0.90% in this test.

Petra hasn't taken her tablets again MOre hysterical nonsense from someone who hasn't the guts to make aliyah

sad little life you live. much left to go?

I read all of these complaints about Israel building homes in their OWN LAND. In the Sydney Morning Herald, The London Times, the list goes on and on. If Israel wants to build homes in their nations capital, they bloody well should and can. Jordanians build in Jordan, Syrians build in Syria, Iranians build in Iran. Time Israel ignored all of the anti semties and got on with it.

getting the goods. End result, money Israel does not have to spend.

You are the liar. Israel receives a lot more than military aid from the US. What about all the loan guarantees, protection in the UN against all the sanctions for breaking International lawe tc, etc, etc ??? Wake up, you wouldn't survive a week if the US pulled the plug

It is time to BUILD BABY BUILD!!!

Bull S*it

X-M: "get rid of your government, apoint a responsible government to make peace with your neighbours and learn to compromise" Sir, Not when there is an urge and greed to more land grab, theft and anti-arab hallucination.

what is wrong with your mind Israell....you never get peace only hate....you lost myn sympathy....shame

The gall that they think that Israel should be limited in where it can build, for whom, and have to justify itself. No other country is limited that way and they don't try to put housing limitations on any people except Jews.

Your yealling won't help much. The fate of the disputed territories will be defined in bilateral negotiations. Israel will demand to annex part of the area and palestinians will claim what they want. In the meantime, the 'status quo' prevails. Disagree with it? My advice to you is to try to advance sanctions through the Security Council. So far I see sanctions looming over the head of Teheran not over Israel. That means that Therean is seriously violating International law, while Israel in a very limited sense. The rest of your argument is banal legality. This is a political conflict that will be defined politically not legally. These are facts. Facts of political life that seems that you are not aware of.

Israel does not receive a penny of economic aid from the US. The only aid is military which, 70-80% of which must be spent on US soil. Not surprising that you would try to lie, really.

that you can't steal something from someone if the thing never belonged to that person in the first place. What makes the land rightfully Arab, instead of Jewish?

To undertake a house building programme in East Jerusalem to give a boost to the Palestinian Authority when it becomes the capital of Palestine. I hope the Israeli Coalition is co-operating with the Palestinian Authority over the design and the connection to sewage, electricity and gas as I am sure Israel will not provide these services when Israel withdraws behind the greenline of 1967.

Tel Aviv is not the capital of the Jewish Homeland now called Israel. For the Jews it is Jerusalem uncannily enough, and welcoming all Christians, Arabs and Jews to live and pray wherever in the City.

arabs and israel will be united against iran. keep that in mind.

Netanyahu, intentionally or not, has opened the floodgates to reveal Israel's true face. His coalition bed buddies have begun to run amok, with the whole of the international community intensely focused on what's taking place. He and his bunch have managed to do in one year, what rights groups, activists, and the Palestinians have been trying in vain to do for decades: open the eyes of the world to Israel's true nature. I've decided I'm kinda fond of old Bibi after all. He's doing more for the creation of a Palestinian state than Livni would ever have been able do. VIVA BIBI!

The 'Palestinians' are desperate. Their Arab Leaders the Arab League abandoned them after they became Homeless Arab Refugees after the defeat of the Arabs in the 1948 War. Now they want a Homeland of their own, a 23rd Arab State called 'Palestine' so why not in their own Historic 99.09% of land and not in that miniscule piece of 0.01% of the Jewish State. Arabs built Dubai didn't they, so why not another one for a 23rd Arab State for their Brethren the 'Palestinians' and to put an end to this neverpending oonflict in the Mideast? The question is however, can these two peoples live 'side by side' in peace? Take a look now and answer please.

You named 5 UN res that israel has totally ignored. If that "Integral" part of the nation cannot be severed Israel will have a big problem. All the PA has to do is dissolve itself and return to full occupation under Israel. Israel then again becomes totally responsible for all the Arabs under occupation. All the Arabs have to do is ask for citizenship. Of course the next thing they will ask is where to vote. It will not be possible for Israel to deny them citizenship under Int Law.

I think Israel needs to build more houses when the whole world are sending Israelish to Israel. Just following the policy of Israel.

..ok, the Lobby will slam and slur you, but you will rescue a little US self respect.

Israel always takes and takes. The support for Israels policy in the US, EU and other countries disappaers. I hope Israel will never join the EU and Nato, otherwise we have to help the thief.

When Jerusalem becomes totally altra orthodox, who will pay the municiple budget when they already don't work and rely on 'special' government privileges? I guess other municipalities!

http://tinyurl.com/y8ewves/sovereignty-state-non-state-entity/#Mandate http://tinyurl.com/y8ewves/sovereignty-state-non-state-entity/#British-White-Paper-1922 http://tinyurl.com/y8ewves/sovereignty-state-non-state-entity/#British-White-Paper-1939 http://tinyurl.com/y8ewves/sovereignty-state-non-state-entity/#sovereignty http://tinyurl.com/y8ewves/sovereignty-state-non-state-entity/#IsraeliDeclaration Cheers

The tide of international anger rises as Israel's moral behaviour plummets ever lower depths. This illegal proposal added to all the others,like existing illegal settlements,last years vicious attack on Gaza,the ongoing Gaza blockade, Israel's dreadful wall, suspicions over the Dubai assassination etc etc etc undermine ANY sense of Israeli legitimacy and dwindling international sympathy. This is not just an internal Israeli problem. The rest of the world has to deal with the instability and destabilisation Israel's actions are causing, including the increasing radicalisation of muslims & Palestinians as Jerusalem is being stolen from them.Can Israel survive with NO international legitimacy? Look to aparthied South Africa for your answer.

On 22nd March 1945 the League of Arab States was formed with the 99.09 percent of massive land in the region, while along the shores of Meditarranean lay a 4000 year old State of 0.01% of land once known as the 'Empire of Judea' conquered by King David of the Jews. Things may have changed somewhat in those 4000 years, but the Jewish people have returned to their Homeland after being driven out 2000 years ago by the Romans. Arabs have their masses of land, Jews only 0.01%, therefore what is the dreadful harm or the inforgiveable sin that the Jewish people have the rights to their Ancient Homeland of Judea/Palestine ? despite any Rewritten History. Would someone be good enough to answer me?

Rinat - Mecca is not illegally annexed. The Palestinians are not Saudi Nationals. Israel has never legally annexed ANY territory. It is inadmissible to acquire territory by war/force "Territories occupied" and not withdrawn from are ...OCCUPIED! It is ILLEGAL to unilaterally annex "territories occupied" It is ILLEGAL to institute the OCCUPIER's civil law in "territories occupied" It is ILLEGAL to build civilian infrastructure and dwellings for ILLEGAL settlers in ILLEGALLY annexed or ILLEGALLY acquire "territories occupied" Israel's "acknowledged" sovereign integrity does not extend into any "territories occupied" Why is the Israeli Government not proud enough of this statement, to include it on their website? http://wp.me/PDB7k-Y#the-big-lie Go/-d, you, me and every Jew on the planet was screwed out of living 'anywhere in Palestine' by the demand to have a separate state. Israeli Jews are now limited only to actual Israeli Sovereign Territory. Get used to it!

Bravo!!!

The Israeli love to confiscate& build colonies in the remaining 22% of historical Palestine. The Israeli don’t want to end the 42 years military occupation, they love to subjugate 4000000 Palestinians to racial discrimination and humiliation. Okay, keep the 22%, but soon we the Palestinian will abandon the goal of Palestinian state and will ask for our civil rights and equal citizenship in greater Israel.

I would be shocked if this were the case. Anyone with knowledge - please comment. P.S: Jews != terrorists = Arabs

not a single one is intended for Arabs?

Israel puts out a paper plan for housing construction,Biden pressures Israel, Abbas postures and says that he will not start indirect talks. Israel "relents" to the US pressure. Hoped for outcome of this political theater? Obama looks like he is being even handed, perhaps even leaning in the Palestinians favor, Abbas can claim that he stood up to the Israelis and start the indirect talks, Israel gets the indirect talks that it wants to take the growing international pressure off. Cost to Israel? tearing up a piece of paper containing some future settlement building plans

It is an amazing situation that gets more bizarre with time. Jews got their state, got more than any Zionist in their wettest dream could have imagined back in the 1930's. So what is happening today is nothing more than greed and drunken with power in full display. The settlements will not add one MORE day to Israel's lifespan. If anything, it will shorten it. Let historians and future Talmudic rabbi's write that Israel fell from the rot from within. That should surprise no one. I think Zionists should build more in the occupied territories, build more to the point where Palestinians wake up from their delusion two states was ever an option. I for one support the continued expansion of settlements in all areas of Palestine. I want Palestinians to stop hoping such a place exists - which it doesn't. It's time to seek civil rights and stop fighting over a piece of rock or some hilltop. It's time to fight for things that matter NOW!!

It is an amazing situation that gets more bizarre with time. Jews got their state, got more than any Zionist in their wettest dream could have imagined back in the 1930's. So what is happening today is nothing more than greed and drunken with power in full display. The settlements will not add one MORE day to Israel's lifespan. If anything, it will shorten it. Let historians and future Talmudic rabbi's write that Israel fell from the rot from within. That should surprise no one. I think Zionists should build more in the occupied territories, build more to the point where Palestinians wake up from their delusion two states was ever an option. I for one support the continued expansion of settlements in all areas of Palestine. I want Palestinians to stop hoping such a place exists - which it doesn't. It's time to seek civil rights and stop fighting over a piece of rock or some hilltop. It's time to fight for things that matter NOW!!

Actually Ted, the holy place for Christians is Jerusalem, not Rome. Vatican City is just the Pope's residence, and has no historical religious significance. Also, not all christians are Catholic. I can't see why Jews have special rights for Jerusalem when it is the site of the three major religions, and should be accessible to all. Why shouldn't christians and Muslims be allowed to live in their holy place too? Personally I think that religious zealots of all denominations are dangerous and should have no part in affairs of any state.

The only problem I have is why it was not done before. If Israel is to accept a second Palestinian entity in the region allowing special access and status in areas that are absolutely fundamental to Judaism, then a reciprocal understanding must be shown from Palestinians to Jews. Enough with the rejection of Jewish history. Nobody can change real history, backed up by the Torah and archeological evidence, however uncomfortable this history is to Muslims. Rejection of Jewish history will keep real peace at bay insuring that both sides continue to lose.

That Israel admits the building in East Jerusalem is to make sure there will never be honest negotiation.

these haredi are nothing but leeches on our society. yishai is horrible and should be arrested for placing israel in more trouble.

The official anouncement was done on purpose to show Biden that Israel is no longer taking USA seriously

If current USA govt can't keep it's word on something straight forward like unilateral sanctions - then how can it expect its ally not to build homes for their children?? USA removal of Saddam regime left an imbalance of religious extremists spawning in Iran that were kept in check by Saddam. If the Obama administration does not clench its fist and take action now - this scourge can be expected to infest the global village with nuclear weapons. Remember its all about caring for the next generation our children!!

Well Israel it would seem that you have chosen your destiny. By the look of it it is going to be an isolated and violent one.You will no longer recieve any sympathy from the rest of the world,in fact you may even see a dramatic shift in the treatment of your citizens/government by foreign nations. Your business interests as well as the interests of your citizens and nation will no longer be on an even keel.The hawks will now be circling in greater numbers.

Israel just showed Iran how to act towards the US. Congratulations, Bibi. You just stepped on the ole crank with your golf shoes. The US still is not going to attack Iran for you or stand aside.

I thought that it was made clear the Arab Palestinians that Jerusalem was non negotiable a while ago. So why all this hubub about Israel building in its own capital. This should not affect "piece" (not peace) talks as Jerusalem in off the table. Everyone should get adjusted to this and stop this ridiculous knee jerk reactions. It is unfair that only AArabs/Muslims must have a right to build and live in the eastern portion of Jerusalem. It was a truly fantastic announcemen!!!!! I'm glad Israel is continuing to building a future in Jerusalem for future generations!!! The former subjects of the kingdom of Jordan who were living in illegally annexed Jerusalem can follow the rest of their relatives back to Amman or Mecca.

No they can't!! Simple is that. Settlements can only be occupied by Israeli Jews. Even those Jews who can occupy them are segregated. I doubt Ethiopian Jews can get any of these units! Of course almost anyone can apply, but getting approvals is a different story... wrap your mind around that!

50,000 housing units...why not...people have to have a place to live...not all of these are ..just for ..jews...i say go for it...

It is false to assume that the Palestinians are prepared to accept any Jewish presence in any territory that falls under their control--even the historical presence of the Jewish dead and Jewish holy places that are routinely desecrated.

RABIN & PERES MADE THE CRAZY OSLO MISTAKE, THAT MUST BE VOID.

never mind the arguement of Jerusalem being our capital and rights to build there, etc. The neighborhoods the article lists: Gilo, Har Homa, Pisgat Ze'ev, etc. would never be given up even if a peace deal could be reached. So there is no logical reason that building shouldn't continue there. Even if it were possible to come up with an agreement, the Jewish neighborhoods aren't going to be given up, and thats been the background fact during the prior negotiations. During these negotiations arab building has continued, jewish building should as well.

Many Israeli Jews are indistinguishable "racially" from their sephardic neighbors in those neighborhoods from which they were expelled by Arab governments. Inasmuch as it is a crime punishable by death for a Palestinian to sell land to Jews, the Palestinians are not asking for "equal rights" but ethnic purity that works in their favor, a fact conveniently overlooked by critics of Israel.

... to make a fool of himself... doubt if we will ever see the likes of Pres. Obama... can there ever be peace here...?!

I know little about Talmudic law, but in international law you don't get to be your own judge. Israel continues to act as if the world consensus about the legality of its behavior is just a prickly detail in the inevitable fulfillment of an ancient promise. Of course, you can act however you like. But in case you haven't noticed, the era in which countries - especially privileged countries - can act like thugs with impunity is rapidly drawing to a close. Bullying your way when you can't get what you want by playing by the rules is the definition of being a thug. At least you are doing the U.S. a big favor now by making us look, relatively speaking, like the good guys. BTW, who's your next America going be? Let's see... China? Europe? Latin America! maybe southeast Asia? Wake up, Israel.It's not too late to get most of what you want and everything that you need. America is still your friend, but as the saying goes, friends don't let friends drive drunk. And you guys are reeling.

you must be hearing your own voice. as of today, defence secretary gates made an urgent visit to saudi arabia. the topic was the extreme stress experienced by the saudis and their sunni allies from the drumm beats coming from iran. unlike the europeans and the americans, the gulf states and their sunni allies consider iran to be a mortal threat to their well being. the saudis are not particularly pleased with the stance of the present u.s. administration. israel is one of the only bulwarks against the nuclear obsessed terror regime of iran. the u.s. simply cannot do without israel's military alliance.

your problem is that you can never see straight. muslims-arabs are the most discriminatory people on planet earth. non-muslims are not even allowed to visit mecca or medina: not christians, not budhists, not taoists, not hindus, not animists, not atheists, not jews. indeed, they are not allowed into most mosques. maureen dowd, of the nyt, has been reporting on the matter. non-muslims are also not allowed into the temple mount. you and your comrades see nothing wrong with any of this. jerusalem is the capital city of the state of israel. whether you or anyone else likes it, jews have a right to build in jerusalem. jerusalem will never be given over to the waqf. jews, too, have rights. the more people like you try to compare israelis to nazis, the more people like me stiffen in opposition. never again shall we allow others to bully us. get over it and tell your palestinian friends that the sooner they compromise the more they will have.

For centuries, the Jewish people have roamed the earth yearning one day to return and settle in their historical homeland and eternal capital. After centuries of Jerusalem being a blimp on the face of earth, it has now regained its place amongst the nations. Following centuries of Jerusalems Arabinization, the Jews have mustered the courage to fight for what was theirs.

Day after day it becomes more obvious who is the oppressor and who is reacting out of desparation. The spiral of terrorism begins with depriving people of their homes, land, livelihoods and dignity. Israel should stand up and be counted.

this is the city of God's fearing people ...definitely not the one who promote nudity ,porn ,homosexuality . city with clean God fearing leaders ,not sex offenders , rapists and finally war criminals .. this is a holy town and there is nothing ,i mean ..... nothing (holy) about you .

I am convinced that Israel needs a small nuke

are you all experiancing an intelligence collaspe? is it perhaps part of that hereditary jewish desease? to many jews who will only mate w/jews....just a little too closely related...are you all stupid and insane? or just commiting collective suicide? perhaps a really big masada?...hate to say i wont miss you and a little less dramatics would be appreciated...just go die quietly

trump rhetoric in the press, (or UN).

Freeze?! Who are you kidding?

Keep building ..do not look back...other then to ..father abraham...then keep building..GOD,bless israel

"Can`t an Israeli Arab buy a unit in this complex ?" Bad walls make bad neighbors Haaretz, Daniel Ben Simon. "Because he is a Sephardi Jew, Yitzhaki was assigned a home in Shas' Sephardic section. The neighborhood has four sections - Shas, the 'Lithuanian' community, Agudat Israel's Hasidic community and the smallest section, inhabited by about 100 modern Orthodox Jews." Ramat Shlomo is not some shining example of free market forces, Darthie i.e. it is organized along ethnic lines and, so sorry, I don't see "Arab" listed. So if a Sephardi Jew can be told he is not wanted in amongst the Hasidics or the Lithuanians then the answer to your question would appear to be a resounding "No". DZ: "Anyone with knowledge - please comment." Go here: http://www.knesset.gov.il/mk/eng/mk_eng.asp?mk_individual_id_t=836 Or send him an email: dbensimon@knesset.gov.il He knows.

Before you advocate adding more Jews to the population of Jerusalem, there is a problem of which you and many of your brethren seem to be unaware. Israel is a state lacking any legal basis for sovereignty in Jerusalem. UN resolution 181, under which Israel declared statehood, declared Jerusalem to be an international city, "corpus separatum," managed under UN auspices. In 1980 the Knesset passed the "Basic Law" which declared Jerusalem complete and unified the capital of Israel. The Basic Law is a violation of UN Security Council resolutions 476 & 478 and thus a violation of Article 49 of the 4th Geneva Convention, and therefore a war crime. UNSC resolution 478 declared the Knesset Basic Law null and void and 476 declares any demographic changes in Jerusalem a violation of international law and a serious violation of the Geneva Convention.

hahahahahahha :).....i hope you feel alone cause you never been so alone....jews only

i can see it now...alliances are shifting away from you....you got nothing...on your way out

he says he dont know you

of Jerusalem development. Some understand that the construction freeze entails all suburban settlements and in effect, Ramat Shlomo, Gilo, Har Homa, etc. - are these not outside the vicinity of the town of Jerusalem prior to the Six Days War in 1967? So why not stop construction temporarily until the matter is settled with the negotiations? Since the last discussions between PM Olmert and President Abbas, we are speaking about an area of contention (despite its holy significance) of less than 2% to finalize an agreement with our adversaries. Surely there is some way to accommodate each other through talks.

You have it wrong dear man. The Capital of Israel is not Tel Aviv it is JEWRUSALEM - sometimes it's spelt Jerusalem.

you just lost you last friend...no re-supply, no welfare, no free weapons, no shared intelligence...in other words you are set for a fall....bye bye zio-entity....you didn't last long enough to notice

If the US capital is Washington DC and the capital of Germany is Berlin and the capital of Israel is Tel Aviv, what is this capital you are talking about? I know of no country named "Jew" with a capital of Jerusalem.

and its all jewish

NO PEACE NO MONEY

who will help you and resupply you in your next war which you have also assured will be soon?

THANX TO THE U.S.A

"you have made it really easy for arabs to unite w/iran" - in the next war No way. Neither Israel or the US has attacked Iran yet.

When it is necessary to lie to yourself to defend your positions you have a BIG problem. I fully understand the tendency of nations and groups to view themselves, their past, their desires, and their actions in the best possible way. This is a human trait. But what happens when it is necessary to lie to yourself, and everyone, because what you are doing, or did, is too far at odds with your basic morality to admit? This is the point where human behavior lapses into insanity.

"The bottom line is that any "pal" entity West of the Jordan River will turn into an iranian base the day after. . . " - The bottom line And the bottom line is clear. What do you propose be done with those 'pal entities' which exist west of the Jordan? Left line or right? Should there even be a line on the right? I guess there must be. The Settlers are so ensconced in their welfare that they can easily afford to hire Palestinians. So why not those able to work to the right and those unable to the left? Or do you have some plan by which all 'pals' will be beamed up to the moon or somewhere in 'the east"?

check you 'other' passport

I have lived in an 'apartheid state.' I moved to the Commonwealth of Virginia as a young child. I was propelled from a small-town upstate NY existence where everyone was equally endowed in citizenship to a place where there were White Citizens and there were Blacks who lacked the full rights of citizenship. Shortly after I attended a slide show and lecture at the John B. Dey elementary school where I learned of the existence of South Africa. The guy giving the show, and my school's principal, both made a point of how the two societies resembled each other. They emphasized that blacks were not to be given the same rights as whites. That they were to be kept apart. Apartheid. . . Israel's right is headed towards apartheid, but as far as Israeli citizens are concerned it is not quite there yet.

"Time to pull the plug on Israel`s privilaged place in the world" - Dutch I don't know how 'privileged' Israel's place in the world is anymore. The generation which was shocked by Hitler's genocide is dying off. Those of us who grew up in it's shadow are aging. Those who have grown up in the last 30+ years have experienced an Israel which evermore seems to suffer the same racist depravity as Nazi Germany. I think the great threat to Israel today is that minority of Israelis who are motivated by racist and political views not much different than those of the people who brought disaster to Germany in the 1940s. It is not a matter of a privileged place in the world Dutch. It is a matter of people who act like those who shamed the world into seeing Israel as a worthy underdog for 50 years after World War II. Jews are just like any other group of people in the world. Human. Like all other Humans they have those who will define themselves as superior by race/religion/nationality.

Livni says bibi's right hand can't talk to left when in fact in 2008 same thing happened with this committee announcing settlements as livni sat down with rice in a meeting. This is a municipality which has their own statutory law because jerusalem was annexed in 1981. It would be like the u.s president knowing about housing in washington dc municipalities.

Paid for by (out of work) American taxpayers.

Wow. So there can only be two states if Jerusalem is split in half and 250,000 Jews are booted out? Morons.

Damascus Cairo and Riaad build what they want. It's theirs. Jerusalem is NOT the Arabs capital and NEVER was. There never was even such a thing as a "palestinian" until a few years ago. Jews have a 3000 year history in Jerusalem. I really don't see any problem. THe arabs have billions of acres of land and trillions of oil dollars. Let them make a country for the newly named tribe of "palestinian" somewhere in Libya or Saudi Arabia or Morroco. They have billions of unused acres!

Watch for an Israeli reduction statement of this outrageous "paper" building boom in E. Jeruselum proclamation and then the media pitch, "see how reasonable and responsive we are to US pressure?" This is a ploy to defuse the growing international pressure that is building. It is inconceivable that Israel would pull such a bone-head play with Biden coming to Israel. After all of the media dust settles, facts on the ground, as they say, will be the proof of the pudding as to whether this was all just a choreographed Kabuki play between Biden, Netenyahu and Abbas to take deal with the growing international and US grassroots dissatisfaction with the Obama administration's apparent lack of backbone.

One of the well-known building codes in Jerualem is the need to utilize "Jerusalem Stone" as an architectural element of construction. http://chabadnj.org/UserFiles/770.jpg Take a look at the linked image and then take a look at the picture of Ramat Shlomo published by Ha'Aretz http://www.haaretz.com/hasite/images/iht_daily/D100310/ramat.jpg

The bottom line is that any "pal" entity West of the Jordan River will turn into an iranian base the day after...The hizballah is an iranian surrogate in the North.The hamas is an iranian surrogate in the South.syria is an irAnian surrogate in the NorthEast...Now,Israel cannot afford itself to have iranian tanks at the doorsteps of Jerusalem...

Arabs can build in Mecca for their bretherin from Israel all they want!!!

And suspend it from the UN and withhold its aid and privilages. Today, Israeli officials are invalidating their place in the Middle East by displacing Palestinians ifrom their homeland and neighborhoods and violating their sovereign and human rights. This is why the world acting on their behalf following WW 11 and now it must act against Israelis for the same reasons....Dutch

Goodbye, Obama, who knows your agenda are where (if anywhere) your allegiances are. You lost an ally for now, until you either expire or until the next election. So much for your bludgeoning of friends and your warm, coziness to the most vicious and tyrannical regimes in the world. Viva Israel...

This continued inhumane treatment of Arabs in Jerusalem won't fly. There will be war. Israel will "win," but at what cost. Hope the U.S. will one day wake up and end its tawdry involvement with Israel's bellicose, apartheid ambitions. Israelis are truly disgusting and anti-democratic.

and despite all you have done to crush the Arab spirit, you are playing with fire and asking for a world of pain. Keep your hands in your pockets and off of the belongings of others or you ill lose all of it!

and despite all you have done to crush the Arab spirit, you are playing with fire and asking for a world of pain. Keep your hands in your pockets and off of the belongings of others or you ill lose all of it!

Israel owns Jerusalem, it has in the past, it does now and it will in the future. When the Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ returns, He will sit on the throne of David and the Jews will finally live in peace. The Arabs can go to Jordan, Iraq, Iran, or Saudi Arabia, I hear there is a lot of land there and fellow Muslims too!

It is all happening in front of our eyes and the final is the Iranian bomb that will turn every Jew into ashes. What bedevils me is why are you bringing this to yourself? And that what the Christian Zionist want to so they save the Jews from Judaism.

Was for God A place to worship God Where Jews and gentiles could come worship God Not come to destroy the temple of God.

Build Build and keep building soon they will be occupied by the Arabs when they run over Israel....This is how Israel is running towards its demise...hahah hahah haha @Mediator do you have courage to print it??? nahhhhhh

This is for Jews only housing. Arabs are neither permitted to buy/rent these new homes nor are they granted building permits to build homes of their own in Jerusalem. Israel is for all intents and purposes officially an apartheid state.

More housing is a great idea. When are they going to advertise. I'm interested in buying and a few people I know are also interested. Let's get the show on the road. We can't let foreign countries control internal affairs of Israel and there is no need to apologize for Israel housing policies as it's nobody's interest except the Jewish State.

Now that Germany has been reunified, using your logic toward the 'peace loving' Palestinians, the time might be right to give back to Germany the Czech Republic, Poland, Austria, Denmark, Holland, Belgium, France, and even Greece. Then we can have the Turks get back Syria, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Israel, Egypt, and the Arabian Peninsula. The Third Rich and the Ottoman Empire!! Problem solved.

as far as I know you, only Jews are allowed to immigrate to Israel, the whole excercise is to have a Jewish majority.

Well, it would seem that the Israelis, too, "don't miss an opportunity to miss an opportunity" for peace. It's a shame that both sides seem to sliding further and further from a two state solution. Rob

in East Jerusalem that will be located in the Arab neighborhoods. Where is the problem here ?

Or any other non-Jewish minority for that matter. I would be shocked if this were the case. Anyone with knowledge - please comment.

'... the rogue state Israel is becoming...' Oh, come on. Since the 1940s, who else but Israel has really defended Israel? "European"--you are the host of the holocaust Thus what a joke is your argument

called Israeli Apartheid state.

Bulding settlements is a good idea if the goal is to anger the news media in New York, and the Obama Administration, who control the current president's teleprompter feed. It is not a secret that the news media in the US is completely controlled by Jews who hate Israel along with their loathing of Republicans and Christians. The time has come for Israel to really stand up to the New York news media and demand the Temple be rebuilt. Side by side with the Dome of the Rock. Biden will sit there like an oil painting since the New York based news media haven't programmed any response into the teleprompters. Settlements they can resopnd to.

If I and others are to make Aliya we will need a place to live, so this is good news. The only solution the Palestinians want is "the final solution", the end of Israel.

How do you feel about Indians, the original people of Brazil or natives as others would say? You perhaps?

Binny, Jerusalem is for the Jews; that the Arabs who live there are there by choice shouldn't be missed. When any Arab country allows Jews to build there, and live there in peace, then perhaps you'll understand why it's really ok for Jews to build homes. Can you just see Canadians telling Washingtonians they can't build houses in Georgetown? Or anywhere else? I guess that's the issue, isn't it? As long as the world gets upset over Jews living their Jewish life in Jerusalem, it will be a problem for the world.

Do they need the tiny land of Israel also? Isnt it really for a coverup? To cover up all the Temples of Israels God? With their god Allah? Yes it is. Allahs temples should be in Saudi Arabia. There is still some of us left who havent been killed yet who do not beleive in Allah. We beleive in God, to us Allah is a false god. You have freedom in worship,let us have freedom in the worship of our God also. Dont destroy our sacred temples. Dont contaminate our sacred temple with a false god.

It's great!! why not build there it's the capital of Israel and Israel is a jewish state. Washington, London, paris are all capitals of contries. I hope to live there one day please build me one!

America voted against it... and France, Norway, Portugal and England abstained. The reason why it was passed is because the Russians are allies of Syria... Its the same reason why resolutions 235, 236, 237, and 240 all left out the statement that all parties should return to pre-war lines. It was not until 242 that it was included. but mainly as part of a land for peace deal. Now fast forward 40 years to the present. with Israel having a continual presence in east Jerusalem for that long, is it even possible that this integral part of the nation can be severed? Look at Olmerts map to the pals. he offered two main areas of east Jerusalem about 30% of it (areas left that are still mainly Arab). With the increase of Jewish construction, the share that the pals will get will only diminish. Any stall by the Arabs in negotiations will only prove to hurt them in the long run. The only solution is an acceptance of the realities of today; let go of the realities of yesterday

And suspended it from the UN as a symbol of human injustice like Guantanamo Bay. Israel has gone from bad to worse repeatedly. No more! Enough is enough! Dutch

This is a great opportunity for Palestinians. They can sell now and purchase a villa in Jordan or Syria and live happily ever after, almost like winning the lottery.

Keep on building..Jerusalem is the capital of the Jewish people

Though all of Israel's enemies and some of her friends will contest, admonish, and throw tantrums at Israel's housing expansion into the West Bank, when one pulls way back and sees the humble amount of land Israel actually sits on in relation to the Arab & non-Arab lands in the Middle East, it sets things in a much more realistic context. The Israeli "Green Line" (where they planted trees up to the armistice lines prior to the Six Day War) is only visible from the air because of the adjacent "Brown Line" that stands in barren contrast to it (as Palestinians didn't care much for planting anything there). Israel's acquisition of her strategic depth forced on her by obstinate Arab armies and militant Palestinians seeking her total destruction is not going to be negotiated in the bad faith shown by continued Palestinian, et al historical revisionism and violence.

if America and the EU allows it.

the only logical solution.

At the moment when the only friend Israel has in the world is trying to arrange some kind of peace process and organize a boycott on Iran, the lunatics in power in Israel turn around and spit in the US face. I'm a supporter of Israel, but this is to much, do Israelis believe the US has no limit to its frendship for Israel. Israelis, get rid of your government, apoint a responsible government to make peace with your neighbours and learn to compromise

The problem is that East Jerusalem isn't Israel. It's occupied Palestinian territories, despite what the Israelis says. Israel is digging its own grave by behaving like this. There will never be peace with Settlers on the West Bank.

just because you wan t something does not make it youes...covetness has become theift...you are aware this breaks the commandment 'thy shall not steal'

So now it's 50,000 apartments in East Jerusalem? What's next? This is the most astonishing hubris, and it makes plain for all to see that Obama made a Big, Big Mistake when he caved in on the issue of a complete settlement freeze. IF he really does want to end this conflict then he has to reverse that decision and insist upon a complete, total, and unconditional freeze. And if he isn't willing to do that then he should tell Mitchell to come home and go back into his retirement village, because He Is Simply Wasting His Time.

OK, build on your own. There is no longer any reason the US should support Israel in any way, and the former should immediately withdraw any and all aid/loans/assistance/cover. If you then don't change your attitudes, then the US should apply sanctions and urge Europe to do the same. You are shameful and are a danger to world peace. Soon enough you will find yourself alone in the world.

Netanyahu, you need to have the balls to say that Jersualem has been, is and will be the Jewish capital. Anyone who doesn,t like it can go jump in the lake. Why would a Jewsih prime minister apologzie for building houses for Jews in israel? It' insane.

how much more proof do we need to show that jews run america?.

I hope you guys build on Dome of the rock too, or better if you destroy it and build your temple or whatever you call it on the site. At least this way I know who will the winner and loser be. I also can vist my family in gaza without Hamasists or Shasists for once. It will be the most secured state of Israel or the free Palestine without any settlers or ocupation. I realy wish it happens.

build more.

One can only conclude that Biden and Obama have some kind of vibe forcing the Israeli's to make these painfull unintended mistakes considering the timing of announcement of their building plans. The victim drives the agressor into uncontrollable rage by it's sunmissive rug-like attitude, one cannot blame the predator here. I almost would stand behind (but I do not) the old graffiti city wall slogan: "Lee Harvey oswald, where are you? Your country needs you."

there is nothing that can describe the arrogance and absurd logic behind this ... it's time to stop for the EU and US to stop financial, military aid and impose crippling sanctions on the rogue state Israel is becoming.

Predictably, the hard-headed bigots will say with their shrill self-righteousness: "REALLY?" Their argument: The Moslems will be angry! Sadly, a lot of cowards react and make decisions based on harm that is threatened against them.

This is like showing a big finger to Joe Biden and Uncle Sam. Good job Israel! by doing these things, you are getting more and more isolated.

Keep building in Jerusalem, the UNDIVIDED capital of Israel. To h-ll with what the world thinks.Its a catch 22,no matter what Israel does its no good. Why dont the oil rich a-rabs build in Gaza for their poor palestinians? Dont worry about the peace process.You cant make peace with people who send their children to die and whose charter calls for the destruction of Israel. BUILD,BUILD and keep building.

The decision to build within the settlement of Pisgat Zeev coincided with a visit by U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, who is trying to bolster peace talks in which Israeli settlement activities have caused friction with Palestinians. Asked about the new project, a spokesman for Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said: "I am not aware of it." A spokesman for the Jerusalem Municipality said the city's planning and construction committee has approved the Pisgat Zeev housing project on land that had been zoned for industry. Before construction can begin, the proposal must be approved by Israel's Interior Ministry and the public can raise objections. http://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKL3131684020080331?pageNumber=1&virtualBrandChannel=0 What is it with this committee always announcing plans when u.s officials visit. Also Kadima shows great hypocrisy here when livni says bibi doesn't know his left hand from his right hand when this happened when she was foreign minister. Yet Livni says bibi doesn't know left hand from right hand when same thing happened when she was foreign minister. There was no critical media attention on how many settlements will be built in the committee when kadima was in power.

So tow states are dead....what will the one state look like should be what then negotiations are about

And then after apologizing for stabbing America in the back the Netanyahu gang kicks Biden in the balls. Nice guys. The USA has some real problems, especially two wars in the region which were started by the same kind of right-wing lunatics as the Netanyahu government represents. We are trying to undo the damage caused by the Bush kid, leverage a coalition to sanction Iran, and Israel keeps making us a laughingstock. You guys are having your fun. But at what long-term price?

A serious construction plan would be to build housing for Jews to make aliya into. Imagine that, the Zionist dream actually being realized! Ah, but why would Israel be interested in the Zionist dream? Wasn't that a diaspora mentality too?

Good for the Jews. Build up as much as possible. This is Jewish capital and should be build without any restrictions

At the same time Arabs can't get permits to build in East Jerusalem because of their race/religion, 50,000 housing units with Jew-Only banners over the doors will surround them. Sad.