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Israel Plans New Settlement Housing Units

Israel is planning on building more than 200 housing units in the West Bank, according to an announcement published in Israeli newspapers. The construction would be a violation of Israel`s agreements under the U.S.-brokered Road Map to peace. The plan requires Israel to stop all construction in the settlements.

However, since committing to the road map in June 2003, Israel has continued to build in its West Bank settlements. The Palestinians have also acted against the plan by not disarming terrorist groups. The units are being planned for construction a few miles outside of Jerusalem. The Road Map plan was a hallmark of U.S. President George W. Bush`s efforts to end six decades of conflict in the Middle East.

The Road Map also calls on the Palestinian Authority to recognize Israel`s right to exist as a Jewish state, which has not happened as the Palestinian Authority insists on a "right of return" for refugees of the many wars the Arab world has launched against Israel since 1948. Israel completed earlier this year a unilateral pullout from settlements in the Gaza Strip that while not required under the road map increased hopes both sides could return to it.