EU condemns Israeli decision to build 900 housing units in Jerusalem

The European Union has joined the United States in condemning the Israeli government’s decision to construct 900 housing units in the Ramat Shlomo neighbourhood in occupied East Jerusalem, Israel Hayom newspaper reported yesterday.

The paper quoted an EU spokesman as saying: “The decision threatens the viability of the two-state solution but also seriously calls into question [Israel’s] commitment to a negotiated agreement with the Palestinians.”

He said that, among other things, the EU would maintain its longstanding policy toward Israeli settlements and would even complete legislation on the matter.

Meanwhile, Germany Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier expressed hope that the new Israeli government “preserves chances for the two-state solution and won’t disappoint hopes by unilateral settlement decisions.”

Last week, the Jerusalem District Planning and Building Committee approved the building of 900 new housing units in an illegal East Jerusalem settlement.