iStock/Thinkstock(WASHINGTON) — The Obama Administration didn’t hold back in its stinging criticism of Israel’s plans to build up to 300 new housing units near a West Bank Jewish settlement.
Accusing Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of breaking his commitment to refrain from building new settlements, U.S. officials said the construction undermines the goal of a two-state solution. Israel, however, is rejecting the criticism.
Israel is disputing claims by the Obama Administration that its plan to build 98 housing units constitutes a new Jewish settlement in the West Bank. In a Foreign Ministry statement, Israel insists the homes will be built on state land in the existing Jewish settlement of Shilo without changing its municipal boundary. They will house settlers from an illegal outpost slated for demolition.
The statement, however, failed to address the issue that up to 200 additional housing units may be built on alleged Palestinian land.
Copyright © 2016, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.