The EU Commission says that construction in settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories, which includes East Jerusalem, is illegal under international law. The EU urged Israel and the Palestinians to comply with decisions made at the Annapolis conference and work in accordance with the roadmap and stop construction, including construction that takes place due to “natural growth.”

The EU on Friday condemned Israel’s decision to build hundreds of new housing units in the Talpiot quarter of East Jerusalem. “This decision destroys the credibility of the ongoing peace process,” the EU president’s office said, adding that settlements threaten the possibility for compromise and a two-state solution in the region.

Last month, the EU condemned Israel’s decision to build 20 housing units in the Maskiot settlement in the Jordan Valley. “The presidency of the union is gravely concerned by the announcement made a few days ago to expand construction in Ariel and the West Bank as well,” the statement said.

The US has also criticized Israel for construction in East Jerusalem. In June, the White House said that the US opposes the plan to build 884 housing units in East Jerusalem. The government-approved plan involved a tender for 121 housing units in Har Homa and 763 units on five separate plots of land in Pisgat Zeev; both of these housing developments are beyond the Green Line.

Reader responses to the article

Everyone is living with the illusion that peace is going to happen. Peace? With the Arabs? There will never be peace with the Arabs. So why are there still naïve Israelis who cling to the idea of peace with the Arabs? (By the way, they also make me mad, and that isn’t easy.) Zahava Gal-On, haven’t you heard enough stinging criticisms? Why don’t you care about other more important things, like how to improve the standard of living for Israelis, instead of people from another country? I want security and a good standard of living! I don’t want to be stepped on all the time!—Shai, Jerusalem.

It’s not important what Gentiles say—what’s important is what Jews do. Ben-Gurion’s greatness was that he was convinced of the need to boycott fascist organizations. Do you remember him saying that the UN is a wreck? The next prime minister should declare a special union! Let the Gentiles do what they want—Student, Nahariya.

We don’t want peace with them. Why doesn’t the world understand that? We don’t want it—Rami.

To the EU: construction in Jerusalem is a proper manifestation of the Jewish people! That’s what’s important—Anonymous.

Israel is the capital of the Jews, and it’s not the business of anti-Semites if Israel builds or not. Let them worry about their own countries! Damn the anti-Semites who live here and abroad!—Genji, Tel Aviv.

Source: www.ynet.co.il

Israeli Comments

August 11, 2008

By: News agencies