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Israel Fast-Tracks Almost 1000 New Homes in East Jerusalem

A government planning committee moved the controversial building project ahead by asking contractors to submit bids to build the homes, according to Israels Interior Ministry. Once a bid is awarded, construction can begin on the project in the Gilo neighborhood in land Israel captured in 1967 and later annexed. Another 300 units can be built after further planning. About 40,000 Israelis already live in Gilo. Unlike some of the other planned Israeli construction, Gilo is seen by most Israelis as a neighborhood of Jerusalem that would be part of Israel even after a peace agreement with the Palestinians. A Palestinian official called the announcement of the new homes a “red line” that would block the chances for a two-state solution of Israel next to a Palestinian state. But Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said construction will go ahead. “With God’s help, we will continue to live and build in Jerusalem which will remain united under Israeli sovereignty,” Netanyahu said.