Less than 24 hours after the United Nations voted to recognize the Palestinian Authority as a non-member observer state, Israel has responded by approving construction of new Jewish homes.
On Friday afternoon, the forum of nine senior ministers approved the construction of 3,000 housing units in Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria.
In addition, the nine ministers decided to promote the building of thousands of housing units in Jerusalem and in the so-called ‘settlement blocs’, including the area known as E1 which connects Jerusalem and Maale Adumim, a long-standing request.
A senior diplomatic source said, according to a Channel 2 News report, that "continued construction is done according to Israel's strategic interests." The source added that additional measures to respond to the PA’s unilateral move are currently being considered.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Internal Affairs Eli Yishai addressed the political attacks on Israel in regards to Israel's announcement of plans for construction in Jerusalem and the surrounding area, saying, "Israeli governments for generations have built in Jerusalem and everywhere of important in regards to the country's security. We do no have the right to build in Jerusalem and its surrounding areas - but rather the obligation. Putting a question mark on out right to this, is like putting a question mark on our right to the land. "
Source: Arutz7
