Israel moves to expand settlements; Rice says 'she understands'

Monday December 24, 2007 10:08 by Saed Bannoura - IMEMC News

Days after U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice criticized Israel for approving the expansion of settlements on stolen Palestinian land in the West Bank, she abruptly changed her position when Israel refused to back down. Now, as Israeli authorities announce further expansion of settlements than what was originally criticized, Rice compliantly responded that 'she understands' Israel's position now, adding that Israeli officials have shown her that they are serious about their responsibilities in the so-called 'peace process'.

Har Homa

The Israeli government has approved the proposed Housing Ministry's budget for the year 2008, which includes 500 new units in the 'Har Homa' settlement built on Palestinian land near Bethlehem, and 240 new units in the 'Ma'ale Adumim' settlement east of Jerusalem.

Israeli forces have occupied all Palestinian land since 1967, and have transferred over 500,000 civilians to live in that land, in direct violation of the Fourth Geneva Convention, to which Israel is a signatory.

The Israeli government has announced its intention to maintain control of the Ma'ale Adumim settlement no matter what the result of 'peace talks' with Palestinian officials. In addition, the Israeli government states that it does not consider the settlement of Har Homa, built on land belonging to Palestinians living in Bethlehem, to be a settlement at all. Instead, it considers Har Homa to be a part of Jerusalem, which Israeli forces have occupied and annexed since 1967.

A rumor repeated by the international media several days ago that Israel had 'decided to halt construction in Har Homa' turned out to be false, and the Israeli government has denied that it even considered such a move.

"Har Homa is an integral, organic part of Jerusalem," said Rafi Eitan, the Minister for Jerusalem Affairs – despite the fact that Har Homa lies far from any other Israeli development on a hilltop overlooking the Palestinian city of Bethlehem.

bethlehem | israeli settlement | news report saed at imemc dot org