U.S. slams Israeli plan to build 200 Jerusalem homes beyond Green Line
The plan to expand Ramot comes on the heels of last week's controversial decision to build new units in Ramat Shlomo.
By Nir Hasso and Reuters | Nov. 12, 2014 |
A plan to build 200 new housing units in the northern Jerusalem neighborhood of Ramot, beyond the 1967 Green Line, was approved on Wednesday by the Jerusalem district planning and building committee.
The U.S. State Department said on Wednesday it was deeply concerned about the Israeli decision. State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said the decision impeded attempts to reach a two-state solution between the Israelis and Palestinians.
The new plan is apparently meant to address the needs of the citys ultra-Orthodox population.
Last week the U.S. administration condemned Israel for approving construction in the adjacent neighborhood of Ramat Shlomo, also beyond the Green Line. It is unfortunate for this to move forward given not just the view of the United States, but the view of many in the international community, said Psaki.
http://www.haaretz.com/news/national/1.626141