Israel’s Constructions causes trouble with Palestine
Israel announced their intention to expand Jewish settlements in East Jerusalem, a move that Palestinians warned that may destroy their past indirect peace talks. Israeli Cabinet Secretary Zvi Hauser listed several settlements where Israel would continue construction as he said “Building is expected to begin in Har Homa… and Neve Yaakov, where bids have been issued”. He gave no details on the specific plants to continue construction. Palestinian officials stated that the current negotiations are already on shaky ground. Saeb Erekat, chief Palestinian negotiator, exclaimed “If they begin doing this, I think they will take down the proximity talks. The whole concept behind proximity talks is to give George Mitchell and US President Barack Obama the chance they deserve.”
Palestinian leaders called of direct negotiators until Israel would declare a complete stop in Jewish settlement building. Mitchell and other US mediators have been trying to persuade the two parties to resume their full-scale talks.
Palestinians stated that the project had violated the terms of the new peace talks where Israel had promised not to take any provocative actions. Mahmoud Abbas, President of Palestine, stated that he would raise his concerns with the Americans.
Lawmaker Zvulun Orlev said that his party (Israel) could threaten a coalition crisis over the issue. He said “If Netanyahu does not build in Jerusalem; he won’t be able to count on his current coalition. We celebrate a sad Jerusalem Day this week because for the first time, there is no construction in Jerusalem.” Israel will celebrate Jerusalem Day on Wednesday. It is a holiday that has been used by settler groups for the past years hoping to promote Jewish expansion in East Jerusalem.
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