Israel: Netanyahu promises thousands of settler housing in East Jerusalem

Text by: Michel Paul

Thousands of new homes in settlements in East Jerusalem. This is the promise made by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Less than two weeks before the new parliamentary elections in Israel, it provokes the anger of the Palestinians and the irony of the opposition in Israel.

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With our correspondent in Jerusalem , Michel Paul

The Prime Minister of Israel has announced the construction of 2,200 housing units in Har Homa, in the eastern part of Jerusalem . He recalled being at the initiative of the start of construction of this settlement district when he was elected in 1997. And this, despite objections from around the world, he proudly proclaimed in a video broadcast by the presidency of the Advice. There are now 40,000 residents in Har Homa; in the end, there will be 50,000, said the Israeli Prime Minister.

In the same breath, Benyamin Netanyahu announced what he called " a more important decision ": the construction of 4,000 housing units in Givat Hamatos. 1,000 for the Arab inhabitants of Beit Safafa, 3,000 for the Jewish inhabitants.

" Construction in this neighborhood is a serious blow to the two-state solution ," said the peace-loving Israeli NGO Peace Now. Indeed, " it is the last place that would allow territorial continuity between Bethlehem and East Jerusalem ".

In the Israeli opposition, it is said that these are electoral promises that will not be kept. Blue eyes, says the Blue White party.

► Read also: Israel: the eagerly awaited trial of Netanyahu will open on March 17

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• Israel
• Palestinian Territories
• Benyamin netanyahu

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