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Source: http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1092799817338
Housing Tenders Don't Contradict Promises to U.S.
(Jerusalem Post) Herb Keinon and Janine Zacharia- The tenders are consistent with Israeli commitments to the U.S. on settlement construction, senior diplomatic officials said Tuesday. The new homes will be built inside built-up areas in line with understandings Israel has with the U.S. According to Israeli officials, there is an informal understanding dating back two years, drawn up between Secretary of State Powell and then Foreign Minister Peres that construction for natural growth in the settlements can continue if it takes place within the existing construction line. While phase one of the Road Map calls for Israel to freeze all settlement activity, including natural growth of settlements, Israel only accepted this plan with 14 reservations. According to Israel's interpretation, it is not obligated to freeze settlement construction until the Palestinians fulfill their obligation to dismantle the terror infrastructure and fight terror. The officials also said that building will take place in settlements that clearly fall within President Bush's definition of "new realities on the ground."