Israel approves construction of 1,300 settler homes south of East Jerusalem: Media
The construction of 1,300 new settlement units south of occupied East Jerusalem has been approved by Israel, Israeli media reported on Wednesday.
- Middle East
- Anadolu Agency
- Published Date: 11:46 | 29 October 2025
Israel has approved the construction of 1,300 new settlement units south of occupied East Jerusalem, Israeli media reported Wednesday.
According to Israeli channel 14, the government's Special Planning and Building Committee in the Gush Etzion settlement bloc unanimously approved the plan earlier this week.
The decision comes less than a week after US President Donald Trump criticized Israeli settlement activity in the occupied West Bank.
The outlet said the new settlement building represents an unprecedented expansion in the Har HaRusim neighborhood, located south of the Alon Shvut settlement, southwest of occupied East Jerusalem.
The Israeli plan also includes schools, public buildings, parks, and a large commercial zone expected to serve neighboring settlements, the broadcaster said.
The Gush Etzion Regional Council hailed the settlement building as "an appropriate response to the large number of residents seeking to live in the area."
- Germany calls on Israel and Hamas to adhere to Gaza ceasefire agreement
- Syria nets $28 billion in investments this year: President al-Sharaa
- Another Palestinian journalist killed in Israeli attack in Gaza, death toll rises to 256
- Israeli army claims return to ceasefire after killing over 100 civilians in Gaza