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Israel announces construction of 2,500 housing units in Judea and Samaria

Israel has approved construction of 2,500 homes in Judea and Samaria, signaling a new era with the election of US President Trump.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Minister of Defense Avigdor Liberman agreed on Tuesday to authorize construction of 2,500 housing units in various locations in Judea and Samaria. The units are meant to “meet the existing housing needs and enable the ongoing routine.”

Most of the units are planned for the existing blocs of Israeli communities and are based mainly on prior decisions and commitments by previous governments.

“We are building and will continue to do so,” Netanyahu stated.

“Life is returning to normal in Judea and Samaria,” Liberman said.

Liberman also authorized construction of an industrial area meant for Arabs near Tarkumiyah, in the Hebron area. It is designed to be one of the largest in the region and includes diversified industrial components.

The plans were approved just days after the municipality of Jerusalem approved the construction of 566 new homes in northern portions of city. Jerusalem’s municipality is also expected to launch discussions regarding the authorization of 5,600 additional housing units in both northern and southern areas of the city.

Israel had refrained from construction and development in Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria for several years for fear of blowback from former President Barack Obama and his administration, which repeatedly criticized Israeli “settlement” activity.

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Now that Donald Trump, who appears more supportive of Israel’s presence in these areas, has entered office, Israel is expected to push for massive development in its capital and in Judea and Samaria.

By: Aryeh Savir, World Israel News