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Although it's south of the city, it's part of greater East Jerusalem because it crosses the Green Line. Discussion about an additional 900 units suggests these and more to come.
Deliberations were postponed, not cancelled. Netanyahu plans accelerated construction. Expect new announcements to follow current ones.
They won't stop until virtually all Palestine is colonized. Israel planned it long ago. Netanyahu's expediting what most Knesset members approve.
In early December, Israel signaled plans for 3,000 new East Jerusalem and West Bank units. International reaction was harsh.
The State Department's response was surprising. It accused Israel of engaging in "a pattern of provocative action." It runs counter to claims about conflict resolution commitments.
Netanyahu dismissed it out of hand. Rhetoric has no teeth. He's free to do what he pleases. Perhaps one day things will change. Action may back up talk.
What better time than on December 19 after Maan News headlined "Israel presses on with plans for 6,000 new settler homes."
Israeli officials defied international criticism announcing them. Settlements across the West Bank and East Jerusalem will be expanded.
Besides numbers already approved, discussions head toward authorizing thousands more. PA unelected Prime Minister Salam Fayyad said:
"Settlement activity is unilateral and is completely adverse to the continued viability of a two-state solution and the possibility for our people to continue to exist. It's an attack on our people's right to life."
Years ago two states were possible. No longer. Fayyad and other PA officials know but won't say. One state for all its people is today's only option.
It's too obvious to ignore. It's impossible. Perhaps it will become internationally recognized.
Don't expect acknowledgement enough to shift the dynamic on the ground. Hardline Israeli obstinacy prevents it.
Netanyahu, of course, and most Knesset members reject it. Palestinians are considered sub-human. They're denied fundamental rights.
Nothing ahead suggests change. Conflict resolution remains distant. Netanyahu and likeminded hardliners stand firm on hidebound obstinancy. International disapproval is dismissed.
A Final Comment
