Israel advances plans for new homes in Jewish area of east Jerusalem claimed by Palestinians
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Israel has given the final go-ahead for new construction in a Jewish area of east Jerusalem — the area of the city the Palestinians demand as the capital of a future state.
The Israeli settlement watchdog Peace Now says it is the first time in nearly a year that Israel has issued building tenders in east Jerusalem.
The Israel Land Authority published tenders for 77 housing units in Neve Yaakov and Pisgat Zeev. Israel considers both areas — already home to tens of thousands of Israelis — to be neighborhoods of its capital. The international community considers them settlements.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Israel captured east Jerusalem from Jordan in the 1967 Mideast war and later annexed it.
Lior Amihai of Peace Now said Monday that construction could begin within months.