Netanyahu Plans New Settlement

Local Editor

"Israeli" Ynet daily confirmed that the Zionist entity will announce new plans for construction in settlements next week, an official said Wednesday, a move that is likely to trigger an international uproar and threaten talks with the Palestinian Authority.
The timing of the announcement would coincide with the expected release of a group of Palestinian prisoners inside "Israeli" jails.

According to the "Israeli" daily, "the government has announced new settlement construction plans during previous prisoner releases to blunt domestic criticism."

An "Israeli" official said he "expects" an announcement on new construction next week, but declined to elaborate. He spoke on condition of anonymity pending a formal announcement.

"Israel's" Channel 2 TV said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu planned to announce "massive construction" next week. Channel 10 TV spoke of 1,000 to 2,000 new settling units. Both reports cited anonymous officials close to the prime minister.

Wasil Abu Yousif, a Palestinian official, said the expected announcement is evidence that ""Israel" is not serious about pursuing "peace"."

"It's clear to everyone now that the "Israeli" government is killing the "peace" process." While stopping short of threatening to withdraw from the current round of peace negotiations, he said "Israel's" policy would force the Palestinian Authority to seek more substantial alternatives."

The "Israeli" official claimed Tel Aviv is "strictly abiding by understandings reached in the framework of this round of negotiations."

The talks are scheduled to last for nine months, until late April, with the goal of reaching a "framework".

Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team