Israel issues tenders for 1,162 homes in Judea and Samaria

Israel’s Housing Ministry published tenders for another 1,162 homes to be built in Judea and Samaria.

By: World Israel News Staff

Israel’s Housing Ministry on Thursday published tenders for 1,162 homes to be built in Judea and Samaria.

The tenders are for 409 homes in the city of Ariel in Samaria; 459 homes in the city of Ma’ale Adumim, just south of Jerusalem in Judea; 250 homes in Elkana, Samaria; and 44 in Ma’ale Efraim, Samaria.

The Housing Ministry’s publishing of marketing tenders is a bureaucratic step that building projects in Judea and Samaria are required to take even after receiving “final validation” approval for construction by the Defense Ministry, the Times of Israel explained.

This announcement comes a day after Israel announced it was advancing plans for the construction of some 2,000 units at various locations throughout Judea and Samaria.

The region is home to almost a half a million Israelis.

The White House has so far chosen to refrain from criticizing Israel for its so-called “settlement expansion,” in sharp contrast to the previous administration.

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.

While President Donald Trump has generally characterized Israeli construction in Judea and Samaria as “unhelpful” for peace, Israel reportedly coordinates these issues with Washington. The Netanyahu government has approved over 10,000 new homes for Israelis since Trump has taken office.

However, very few of the approved projects have actually moved forward to date.