Israel to expand West Bank settlements

updated 1:44 p.m. ET Dec. 26, 2005

JERUSALEM - Israel said Monday it will build more than 200 new homes in Jewish West Bank settlements — a blow to peace efforts despite word that Ariel Sharon’s new party plans a major push for Palestinian statehood if it wins upcoming elections.

In a separate sign of accommodation, Israeli officials said they will likely permit east Jerusalem’s Palestinians to vote in next month’s Palestinian election. Israel had recently threatened to bar east Jerusalem residents from voting.

The latest settlement construction, revealed in newspaper ads published Monday seeking bids from contractors, would violate Israel’s commitments under the U.S.-backed “road map” peace plan.

The plans include a total of 228 homes in the settlements of Beitar Illit and Efrat — both just outside Jerusalem.

The road map calls for a freeze on all settlement construction in the West Bank, which the Palestinians claim as part of a future independent state. Since accepting the plan in June 2003, Israel has continued to expand settlements. The Palestinians also have not carried out their road map obligation to disarm militant groups.

Construction will be in existing communities
Raanan Gissin, spokesman for the prime minister, said plans for the latest construction began more than five years ago and would take place in existing communities. He also noted that the construction would be in settlements that Israel plans to retain after a final peace settlement with the Palestinians.

“These are the large settlement blocs, they will be strengthened,” he said.

Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat condemned the expansion and urged the U.S. to intervene. U.S. Embassy spokesmen in Israel were not immediately available for comment.

The settlement plans came as Sharon’s new political party, Kadima, signaled it is ready to hand over West Bank territory to the Palestinians and work toward an independent Palestinian state after the March 28 elections. Opinion polls forecast a strong victory by Sharon’s bloc.

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