Israel to build 2200 more illegal units

Israel moved last week to green light some 2,200 new housing units within existing illegal settlements and retroactively recognize two outposts, most likely in a bid to preempt legal attempts by Palestinians and rights groups to see the sites evacuated.

The move is only preliminary and is still subject to changes before the new units break ground.

The plan includes the illegal settlements of Ma’aleh Michmash, Rimonim, Kochav Hashahar, Tel Zion and Psagot, and the area south of the settlement of Ofra.

The plan was originally submitted in 2014, and last month 'Defense' Minister Moshe Ya’alon gave the green light for the council to discuss it.