Israel PM approves 300 settler homes in occupied West Bank

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on July 29 approved the "immediate" construction of 300 settler homes in the occupied West Bank as his government came under pressure from right-wing Jewish groups.

Settlements in the West Bank are viewed as major impediments to peace negotiations with Palestinians, who see the land as part of a future independent state, and Western nations have called on Israel to halt such projects.
 
The decision comes amid already strained relations between Israel and the United States, particularly over the recent nuclear deal with Iran, but Netanyahu is also under pressure to hold together his one-seat majority in parliament.
 
Palestinian officials had not immediately reacted to the announcement, but they have previously strongly condemned such moves.
 
"After consultations in the prime minister's office, the immediate construction of 300 homes in Beit El has been authorised," a statement from Netanyahu's office said, adding that planning for another 504 homes in annexed East Jerusalem had also been approved.
 
According to the statement, the 300 units in the West Bank had been promised three years ago following the demolition of other homes in the Beit El settlement.
 
The approval came after the Israeli High Court earlier on July 29 upheld a demolition order for two structures being built illegally in Beit El. The planned demolition had drawn protests from settler groups who clashed with police at the site on July 28 and 29.
         
Netanyahu had said he opposed the demolition of the housing units under construction, which began on July 29.    

Right-wing members of his government also spoke out strongly against the demolition, and Education Minister...