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Source: http://www.jpost.com/Opinion/Settlement-reasoning-459492
Why Israel Builds Housing in Jerusalem
(Jerusalem Post) Editorial - In the wake of recent Palestinian terror attacks, Israel approved the building of 560 housing units in Ma'ale Adumim, just east of Jerusalem, and 240 units in the Jerusalem neighborhoods of Ramot, Gilo and Har Homa. We build in existing Jewish neighborhoods in Jerusalem, such as Pisgat Ze'ev and Gilo, or in consensus settlement blocs like Gush Etzion and Ariel, not out of a desire to punish Palestinians, but rather out of a real need to supply housing for a fast-growing population. Unlike the vast majority of Western countries, Israel enjoys brisk natural population growth. Building housing is not a tactic for blocking the creation of a Palestinian state. It is an expression of Israel's unique connection to this land and a reflection of Israeli society's health and vitality.