Mohammed Mar'i Saudi Gazette RAMALLAH – The Israeli Defense Ministry approved the construction of 90 housing units in the West Bank Jewish settlement of Beit El, a report said Monday. The Israeli Army Radio said that the ministry approved the project in Beit El, to the north of Ramallah, in accordance with a government decision to that effect. The report added that the Civil Administration, a military department responsible for the coordination of civil affairs in the West Bank, removed the final obstacle and issued a statement of validation for the construction. According to the report, the permits were set to be issued for the 90 new units within a few weeks, as part of a compensation plan for the Ulpana settlement outpost near Beit El that was evacuated eight months ago. Yariv Oppenheimer, the Secretary General of anti-settlement Israeli watchdog Peace Now, told the radio that the development is likely to cast a shadow over US President Barack Obama's upcoming visit to the region, scheduled on March 20. He described it as a “mistaken and ill-timed decision.” For its part, the Council of Jewish settlements in Palestinian territories (Yesha) responded to the move, saying that they welcome any development in the West Bank. The development comes a day after the New York Times reported that Israel is considering giving the Palestinians partial control over some areas of the occupied West Bank. “There is talk of giving the Palestinians partial control over some areas of the West Bank where Israel currently rules. Israel may release some longstanding Palestinian prisoners as a gesture,” the paper quoted experts as saying.
