Israel approves construction of 581 more settler units

The Israeli regime has reportedly approved the construction of 581 new units in Maale Adumim settlement north of the occupied old city of al-Quds ('Jerusalem').

The decision was taken by Israel’s so-called Civil Administration’s High Planning Committee following a visit by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the settlement, Palestinian Information Center reported Saturday, citing an Israeli paper.

According to the report, the plans include the construction of 459 settlement units in Kedem Square, 104 others in Hageit Street, and 18 more settler units in Magdim neighborhood.

Israel has turned a deaf ear to calls from the entire international community, including its own allies, to stop building more settlements or expanding existing ones.

During a Wednesday meeting with Israeli settlement authorities, Netanyahu said he would set aside 800 million shekels ($230 million) for infrastructure projects within the settlements.

The move came after East Jerusalem al-Quds municipality issued permits on Wednesday to add 176 units in Israel’s Nof Zion settlement, surrounded by the Palestinian district of Jabal Mukaber.

Israel’s cabinet is also scheduled to vote on Sunday over a contentious bill that would annex 19 West Bank settlements to what it calls the municipal boundaries of occupied Jerusalem al-Quds.