Israel builds new settlement in occupied East Jerusalem

The Israeli government has decided to build a new illegal settlement in Occupied East Jerusalem, reports the Palestine Media Center.

PMC quoted the Israeli radio as saying the new settlement would be built near the illegal settlement of "Ma'aleh Adomim," east of Jerusalem City.

Israeli Minister of building and housing, Nathan Sharansky, told the Israeli radio that his ministry usually informs the US of any attempts to build new settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory "to avoid any American allegations that Israel surprised or misled Washington regarding its settlements activities."

PMC further quotes Khalil Al-Tafakji, an expert in settlement issues, as saying Israel plans to build at least 1,500 settlement units, including five big hotels, a commercial shopping center, and two bus stations.

Tafakji further warned that Israel's building of the new settlement would complete the Israeli settlement belt, surrounding the Palestinian neighborhoods in Occupied East Jerusalem. He added that the Israeli government aims through its plans to "sabotage any possible negotiations with the Palestinians on the future of the Holy City."

"This is all part of the Israeli plans to rapidly control and Judaize Jerusalem," he stressed.