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Global Leaders Slam Israel's West Bank Expansion Plan

Officials say move would trample peace deals

By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 25, 2008 9:46 AM CDT
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(Newser) – Israeli plans to build a new West Bank settlement—one that was shelved after strenuous objections from the US in 2006—were revived yesterday, sparking an international outcry, the Washington Post reports. “They're burying the Annapolis process,” said a Palestinian negotiator, referring to agreements made at the Bush-led summit last fall. The State Department concurred, and UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said it would violate international law.


One Israeli analyst tells the Post that the move, to build 200 houses at Maskiyot, on a former military base deep inside the West Bank, reflects a calculation that  "the American administration is too weak to do anything about it."  The plan has yet to be approved by Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, who interprets the Annapolis commitment not to build new settlements to exclude construction on areas Israel is expected to control under a future agreement.

President Bush, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, left, and Israeli PM Ehud Olmert stand outside during their meeting at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2007.
President Bush, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, left, and Israeli PM Ehud Olmert stand outside during their meeting at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2007.   (AP Photo/GPO, Avi Ohayon, HO)
Palestinian demonstrators run to avoid tear gas fired by Israeli border police during a protest in the West Bank village Nilin, near Modin, Thursday, July 24, 2008.
Palestinian demonstrators run to avoid tear gas fired by Israeli border police during a protest in the West Bank village Nilin, near Modin, Thursday, July 24, 2008.   (AP Photo/Muhammed Muheisen)
U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has often said settlement expansion is not helpful.
U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has often said "settlement expansion is not helpful."   (AP Photo)
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COMMENTS
Showing 1 of 1 comment
Reader76693465
Jun 12, 2009 7:10 AM CDT
Israel has always thumbed its nose at the law. It's time the US thumbs its nose at Israel.

Israeli leaders approve plan
Associated Press

Officials: it's not a new settlement
New York Times

 
Israel • Ehud Olmert • Palestine • West Bank • expansion • Annapolis summit • Arab Israeli conflict • road map • Palestinian statehood

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