JERUSALEM, Jun 22 (NNN-MA’AN) – Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu’s office, announced yesterday that, the construction of 1,000 new settler homes will be “immediately advanced” in the West Bank.
The office said in a statement that, new housing units will be built in the Jewish settlement of Eli.
The controversial decision, which is expected to trigger condemnations by the Palestinians, was made by Netanyahu, Defence Minister, Yoav Gallant and Finance Minister, Betzalel Smotrich.
Late on Tuesday, Israeli settlers set fire to Palestinian properties, including cars and olive trees, in the West Bank towns of Beit Furiq and Huwara and threw stones at Palestinian drivers.
Tuesday’s attack was supported by a rare use of an attack helicopter, killing six Palestinians and injuring at least 90 others, in hours-long gunbattle in Jenin, in the northern West Bank.
It was the latest violence amid escalating tensions between Israelis and Palestinians. According to official figures, at least 170 Palestinians have been killed by Israelis, while 24 individuals have been killed on the Israeli side since Jan.
The West Bank was seized by Israel in the 1967 Middle East war. Despite international criticism, Israel has maintained control over the territory, where the Palestinians wish to establish their future state.– NNN-MA’AN
