JERUSALEM — Israel says it has approved 2,500 West Bank settlement homes.
In a statement from his office Tuesday, Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman says he and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu agreed on the approval “in response to housing needs.” He says the majority of the housing units will be built in settlement blocs, areas where most settlers live and which Israel wants to keep under its control under any future peace deal with the Palestinians.
The election of U.S. President Trump has emboldened pro-settlement lawmakers, including Lieberman and Netanyahu. Trump has indicated that he will be more sympathetic to Israeli settlement construction.
Much of the international community views settlements as illegal and an obstacle to peace with the Palestinians.
