Israel plans for more than 1,000 new housing units on disputed land

[bemildred]

REPORTING FROM JERUSALEM -- Israel's Housing Ministry announced Sunday that it would construct more than 1,000 housing units in the West Bank and Jerusalem area on land it seized during the 1967 Mideast war.

The expansion includes 500 units in Har Homa, 348 in Beitar Ilit and 180 in Givat Zeev.

“Some countries around the world may not be happy about this but they shouldn’t be surprised,” Housing Minister Ariel Atia told the Israeli news site Ynet. He said the move would lower home prices and increase supply, assisting young Israeli couples looking for affordable housing.

According to Atia, the expansion was approved in response to the Palestinian Authority's successful bid last month to join UNESCO, the United Nations organization. Israel opposed the effort, saying it would discourage Palestinians from returning to the negotiating table.

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/world_now/2011/12/israel-housing-new-settlements.html

[Crunchy Frog]

1. And the inexorable march towards a single state continues. n/t

[Mosby]

3. Maybe the folks in settlements that would not be part of land swaps

in any future agreement could be offered Palestinian citizenship?

[Crunchy Frog]

4. I sort of doubt they would want it. I have the distinct impression that their aim

is to claim this land for Israel. Nevertheless, if they were to accept Palestinian citizenship, then I'd say go for it. Of course, I doubt that they would be able to live in Jewish only settlements anymore, or that they would be able to keep their lush lawns and swimming pools while the Palestinians get barely enough water to survive on. They wouldn't get any special priviledges, but as long as they have rights comparable to those of Israeli Arabs, then they should be okay.

I kind of doubt many of them would accept the terms, though.

[Jefferson23]

2. Another thousand moves toward peace.

sarcasm thingie.