Sharon backs (1,000) new settlement homes

[rawstory]

As seen on the liberal alternative to Drudge, http://rawstory.com

BBC

Israel has approved new homes for some of its West Bank settlements
Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has authorised the construction of 1,000 settler homes in the West Bank.

A cabinet official told AFP news agency the bids would be published after site inspections by the housing minister.

The Middle East peace plan known as the roadmap specifies a complete freeze on settlement activity, but Israel insists the plan has backing from the US.

Correspondents suggest the move aimed to defuse resistance to Mr Sharon's plans to pull out of the Gaza Strip.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/3572142.stm