Israeli Army Radio reports that incoming Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and future Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman have struck a “secret deal” to launch a massive expansion of the West Bank settlement of Ma’aleh Adurnim.

The plan would reportedly build 3,000 new housing units between the settlement and Jerusalem, essentially making for contiguity between the two and preventing any future Palestinian construction between East Jerusalem and Ramallah.

The United States has opposed the settlement expansions repeatedly, and Israel pledged to freeze construction in the area in 2005. As the rumored expansion would bifurcate the West Bank, it would do serious harm to the prospect of a Palestinian state.

Last 5 posts by Jason Ditz

• NATO Air Strike Kills Eight Children in Afghanistan - February 9th, 2012
• Four Killed as Another US Drone Strike Hits Pakistan - February 8th, 2012
• Food Prices Soaring in Iran as US Sanctions Miss Regime and Hit Civilians - February 8th, 2012
• House Hearings on Balochistan: Pakistan's Kosovo? - February 8th, 2012
• Syrian Opposition Claims Massive Deaths in Homs, Clashes Reported in Daraa - February 8th, 2012