Israel Moves Ahead on Massive Settlement Expansion
1,400 New Homes Planned in Occupied East Jerusalem
Israeli officials have announced yet another plan for a massive settlement expansion, with 1,400 new homes proposed for a settlement in occupied East Jerusalem. The announcement is just the latest in a growing number of such announcements since the end of the settlement freeze in September.
The announcement sparked a condemnation from Palestinian officials, who insisted that the move “proves” that the Netanyahu government has chosed settlements over peace. The US has yet to officially declare its position, but embassy spokesman Kurt Hoyer guessed it would be opposed.
The move comes just a week after Israel demolished an historic East Jerusalem hotel as part of a previous plan to expand a settlement in an Arab neighborhood. That move came after Israel demanded Palestinians accept new peace talks.
Israeli officials maintain that settlements in East Jerusalem aren’t technically settlements because officials believe the city is part of the “eternal” capital of Jerusalem. Israel’s claims over territory seized in 1967 is not recognized internationally.
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John_Mohammad
January 16th, 2011 at 10:23 pm
More evidence of the Israeli desire for more land at any cost. You guys sure learned from the best, didn't you? Only the uniforms are different. Lebensraum, indeed.
I'm guessing your grandparents and great-grandparents would be proud of the way you've turned out- they survived the Warsaw Ghetto (sometimes) only to see you emulate your teachers and turn Gaza and the West Bank into hotter versions of that little corner of hell?
Mobo
January 16th, 2011 at 11:41 pm
Well said JM. And since history teaches us almost universal reversal of fortunes the hope is that the next cycle will come soon.
thedissenter
January 17th, 2011 at 5:03 am
Real estate is booming in Israel. At this rate, by the end of the year, there will be no Palestine left. So much for the Arabs wanting to push Israel into the sea, eh?
Mobo
January 17th, 2011 at 5:57 am
Great comment by John. Knowing that history repeats itself one must hope for the "reversal of fortune"
to come soon.
boatops
January 17th, 2011 at 7:55 am
It's time for the world to take back Israel. 1948 was a mistake! REMEMBER THE USS LIBERTY!!!
David
January 17th, 2011 at 8:33 am
Israel has been illegitimate since it’s founding. It is a state built upon terror, theft and a superiority complex that exists in the minds of those whose entire lineage is based upon a book of fables and unproven stories. Israel has been its own worst enemy and will continue to be until it is stopped by force.