Israel approves building of east Jerusalem homes over objections

JERUSALEM, May 8 (UPI) -- The U.S. State Department reinforced its objection to the construction of 900 homes in east Jerusalem, saying it contravened the idea of a two-state solution.

The opposition to plans to build new homes in the predominately Jewish neighborhood of Ramat Shlomo, on land claimed by the Palestinian territories, came Thursday after the Jerusalem District Planning Committee approved the construction.

"This is a disappointing development, and we're concerned about it just as a new Israeli government has been announced. Moving forward with construction of housing units in east Jerusalem is damaging and inconsistent with that commitment. We continue to engage with the highest levels of the Israeli government, and we continue to make our position clear that we view this as illegitimate," said Jeff Rathke, deputy State Department spokesman. The housing development, to be built past the "Green Line" demarcating the nation of Israel as set in a 1949 armistice agreement, was announced in 2010 during U.S. Vice President Joe Biden's visit to Israel, and was the basis of a diplomatic disagreement between the United States and Israel.

Israel has approved the construction of new housing units on Palestinian territory, including in east Jerusalem, despite international condemnation. The U.N. Security Council and General Assembly and the International Court of Justice have all agreed the expansion of Israeli settlements and other settlement-related activities in the Palestinian territory are illegal under international law.