Israel Land Agency Pushes Ahead With Apartments in Jerusalem

(9 Sept 09 - RV) Israel’s land agency says it is pushing ahead with a long-delayed plan to build hundreds of apartments in east Jerusalem, which was annexed by Israel after the 6-day war in 1967. The annexation is not internationally recognized.
The announcement came just days after Israel approved up to 455 apartments in the West Bank. Construction plans are continuing even as Israel negotiates with the U.S. on its
demand for a total building freeze in both the West Bank and east Jerusalem. Several Israeli religious parties argue that all of the West Bank should be part of Israel, but Middle East expert David-Maria Jaeger, a Franciscan priest, says there is now more debate on the issue.