Checkpoint Delta on the Roadmap to Peace
Israel to Expand Biggest West Bank Settlement
Mon Aug 2, 2004 03:55 PM ET
By Mark Heinrich
JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israel has approved 600 new housing units for the West Bank's biggest Jewish settlement despite an understanding with Washington not to expand enclaves on occupied land, political sources said on Monday.
But no building tenders have been published since the decision two months ago and security sources said the United States, Israel's main ally and key mediator in its conflict with Palestinians, would be consulted before construction began.
The plan would add homes to Maale Adumim, a suburban-style settlement with 30,000 people. Located just east of Jerusalem, it straddles the mid-section of territory Palestinians seek for a viable independent state under a U.S.-led peace "road map."
Washington, which has Israel's pledge not to build beyond existing zones in West Bank settlements, voiced reservations.
"Israel has made a commitment," State Department spokesman Adam Ereli said. "We look forward to Israel abiding by that commitment and sticking by the road map."
